Church steps in to save Jubilee parties

A BOROUGH Green church has resurrected the village's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The parish council had tried to organise a big party in the recreation ground to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

But a lack of volunteers meant it had to cancel the festivities, leaving residents bereft.

But now parishioners from the Church of the Good Shepherd have stepped in to save the day.

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They have set up a three-day arts and flower festival from May 31, a party in the village hall on June 2, with entertainment and a buffet, and a street party for all the family in the High Street on June 4.

As an extra boost, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has just awarded the parish council £1,500 in funding for jubilee celebrations which will be passed on to the church.

Church fundraiser Linda Pierce, of Crowhurst Road, said: "When the council originally tried to plan jubilee events Councillor Sandra Gould just couldn't get anyone to help her organise them. It was far too much for one person so she had to cancel. That's when we stepped in.

"I'm a bit of a royalist myself and I was determined that Borough Green wouldn't be the only place in the county not celebrating the jubilee."

Villagers described the council's efforts as "a shambles" and praised the church.

Denise Hyde, 61, of Wye Road, said: "The need for volunteers to help wasn't advertised well and people just didn't get involved.

"It was a bit of a shambles but I'm really glad the church has taken over and the plans are back on – the street party especially will be a lovely event."

Mike Taylor, parish council chairman said: "We were really disappointed to cancel our plans and can't wait to see the church's events .

"We give them our full support and I will be there on the day of the street party, setting out tables and chairs."

For details of any of the jubilee events, call Linda Pierce on 07554 456585.