Platinum Jubilee flag launched in South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire has launched its Jubilee flag as the district hosts a series of events to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE joined Councillor Paul Dunn, Council Vice-Chair at Maurice Lea Memorial Park for the launch of the flag at South Derbyshire District Council’s Liberation Day event on Wednesday 18 May, which took place for the first time in three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event included the Ashby Little Big Band playing nostalgic songs as well as plenty of red, white and blue bunting, Jubilee themed cupcake and biscuits and free taster sessions including royal games such as croquet.

Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire said: “It is the first time in our history that we have celebrated a Platinum Jubilee and is an opportunity for us to thank Her Majesty The Queen for a lifetime devoted to public service.

“I am pleased to have launched the Jubilee flag in South Derbyshire and am delighted to hear of the events planned for this special Jubilee summer.”

The flag is one of six which will fly at Maurice Lea Memorial Park, Eureka Park, Swadlincote Woodlands, the Town Hall, Civic Offices and Rosliston Forestry Centre this summer to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Union flags and bunting are also in place in Swadlincote town centre and High Street, Swadlincote to commemorate the occasion.

The Council has marked the Platinum Jubilee in a variety of ways including: 

• Taking part in the Queen’s Green Canopy with the annual free tree scheme encouraging residents to plant a tree for the Jubilee
• Community Jubilee hedge planting and tree planting as well as Jubilee-themed schools sessions at Rosliston Forestry Centre
• Jubilee Beacon Trail in Swadlincote town centre
• Assisting with community street parties in South Derbyshire.

The next Jubilee event is the beacon lighting which will take place at Eureka Park on Thursday 2 June.

The evening event will include a parade and service of thanks with a piper, bugle player, Gresley Male Voice Choir, Royal British Legion and local uniform groups.

The parade starts at 8.45pm at 1211 ATC base on park to the performance area. Beacon lighting at 9.45pm at the same time beacons will be lit across the country.

Further events including Jubilee-themed Festival of Leisure, Proms in the Park and Jubilee craft activities at Rosliston Forestry Centre are also planned for the summer.

20 May 2022