Congratulations your Majesty on your reign of 70 years
This year, 2022, is currently the only year in history that any British monarch has celebrated a platinum jubilee. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, saw the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne on 6th February 2022. This commemoration will be marked throughout the UK, the Commonwealth, the British Overseas Territories, the Crown Dependencies, and locally, here on Sark.
A recent Royal visit saw the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey welcome Their Royal Highnesses, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands from occupying forces. A special message was delivered by Prince Edward on behalf of Her Majesty which is shown opposite.
Guernsey’s Government House announced earlier this year in February 2022 that The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal would be presented locally later this year:
‘The Platinum Jubilee Medal will be awarded to eligible serving front-line members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the Armed Forces as a token of the nation’s thanks. The medal is part of the yearlong celebrations taking place in the UK, the Commonwealth and across the world in 2022, as The Queen becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate this milestone. Within the Bailiwick, the medal will be awarded to eligible Emergency Services personnel within the States of Guernsey Committee for Home Affairs and States of Guernsey Trading and Supervisory Board, St John Emergency Ambulance Service and RNLI, along with the equivalent personnel in both Alderney and Sark.’
Platinum Jubilee Medals were presented only a few weeks ago in early May 2022 to 20 members past and present of the Sark Police, Sark Fire & Rescue Services and the Sark Ambulance Service by Prince Edward on his visit to the Islands. Her Majesty The Queen has most certainly honoured her pledge to devote her life to the service of the nation. The Sark Newspaper congratulates Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II on this achievement and sends the best wishes and warmest regards on the historic occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.
Celebrations begin on Thursday 2nd June 2022 at 1pm as Sark’s very own ‘town crier’, Peter Plummer, makes an official proclamation opening the weekend on the Avenue. Opening at 7pm with free entry to all there is live music from ‘Underdog’ whilst the bar is courtesy of The Mermaid Tavern and hot food from local residents Ringo and Terry. There will be a short break from the band and dancing at 9.45pm to light the official Jubilee Beacon; beacons will be lit at this time across the nation and the Commonwealth. This will be accompanied by a piece of music called ‘Majesty’ played by local musician Ash and Sark’s standard bearers will honour Her Majesty The Queen.
On Sunday 5th June 2022 there will be a street party event in The Avenue with the Avenue Green full of fun and games to keep the family entertained including games from Adventure Sark, a Jubilee colouring table, a Pirate ship bouncy castle, and Jubilee coins will be available to buy. There will be no charge for these apart from the coins for sale, but charity pots will be present welcoming all donations for the lifeline service of The Flying Christine. A wonderful weekend looks set to be had by Islanders and visitors alike with all being welcome.
This article first appeared in the Sark Newspaper : June 1st 2022
