We have started preparing our weekend of events to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and we intend to have a fantastic, fun-filled weekend here in Hempstead. Our committee will hold its first meeting on Tues 17th Jan and we are currently seeking someone with views on what the elder people in the village would enjoy and a young parent to represent the needs of our youngest villagers. If you are interested, please call Dave Boreham on 599885 or Diana Frost on 599771.

The committee so far consists of Dave Boreham, Julie and Jon Wilson, Rob/Daniela Karsten, Sally Rowden, Sara Scott and Julie Jarman with Angela Crane and Diana Frost offering background support. The committee are looking at holding an adult event (possible themed dance with entertainment) on the Saturday night in the village hall and a family day on Monday the 4th on the Glebe and in the hall, with games, food, entertainment, and a village walk. There will be an event for older residents and a Treasure Hunt for small children at Bellropes and The Bluebell Inn will also be running some events too. Lots more detail will follow as plans are put in place and firmed up.

Of course this all needs funding. A series of fund-raising events will therefore be held and we hope that all villagers will support them. We will also seek grants where applicable and funds will be sought from village societies. The official emblem shown here was the winning entry from a Blue Peter competition for 6-14 year olds, but we would like to have our own emblem as well in Hempstead, so we are launching an IMMEDIATE COMPETITION and invite all children of Hempstead to send an entry on paper no larger than A5 to Sara Scott at Chaseside or Julie Wilson at 2 Longcroft by Mon 20th Feb. These will be independently judged and the winner announced in the March Newsletter and via this website. We had a fabulous entry for the Golden Jubilee 10 years ago and are hoping for the same high standard this year. So come on kids, get drawing!

This news feature will be regularly updated over the next few months, so keep a regular eye on what's being planned, and if you want to make any comments, please contact Dave Boreham in the first instance via the weblink here jubilee@hempstead-essex.org.uk

March Beetle Drive:
Village Hall. Saturday March 3 2012 at 7.30 pm. Crisps and peanuts provided. Bring your own drinks and food. Cost; £4 per adult or £10 a family. Tickets available now from Sally Rowden on 599257

April Village Quiz by Ross Midgley:
Village Hall. April 21st 2012 at 7.30 pm. To celebrate the Queen’s Birthday! Tables of 8. Cost; £8 per person. Bring your own drinks. Sausage mash and onion gravy supper included. Please indicate for Vegetarian Option. Tickets available now from Julie Wilson on 599756

Gardeners’ Mart
Saturday 26 May 2012. Grants will also be sought wherever possible and if anyone wishes to make a donation, please contact Dave Boreham.

Strawberry Tea
especially for those Hempstead Village Residents over 60 to be held in the Jarman’s garden, Church Hill, Friday 1 June at 2.30pm. No charge. Transport available. Need to register interest nearer the time with the Jarmans direct on 599454. Evening Music session that evening in the Pub marquee?

The Great British Jubilee Banquet
to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. A veritable feast of fun and frivolity with bar, disco and magic. Over 18s only. 8pm – 1am. Saturday 2 June. Village Hall. Cost £10 per head. Tickets limited. Register your interest now at jubilee@hempstead-essex.org.uk or call David on 599885

The Great Village Jubilee Fun Day
free to all villagers of all ages from 1pm on the Glebe, Monday 4 June 2012 . Fun and Games for all, treasure hunt, free barbecue, village walk. Bring your own drinks. No glass please on the Glebe. Register your interest now at jubilee@hempstead-essex.org.uk or call David on 599885

Plus a Jubilee Walk and a Treasure Hunt for children. The Bluebell Inn will also be running some events too. Lots more detail will follow as plans are put in place and firmed up.