Lookback at 2012 - The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

By Tristan Harris Thursday 27 December 2012 Updated: 03/01 14:48

Buy photos » Pupils at Fairfield First School with their painting of The Queen. s

THROUGHOUT July, residents from the region certainly embraced HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, producing some very memorable moments.

Sidemoor-based Worcestershire Medals was tasked with making the Diamond Jubilee medals for all recipients of the Victoria Cross and George Cross, along with members of the Royal Household.

The firm, founded by medal-maker Phil McDermott, made 450,000 of the gongs as part of the £7million medal contract, which was the biggest of its kind since World War I.

When HM The Queen visited Worcester in July, community-spirited Spatan Mary Miles was at a special concert at Worcester Cathedral with Her Majesty. Mary is the same age as the monarch and also met her when she was awarded the MBE for services to health and safety in the community and Worcestershire.

Debbie Roberts, the managing director of EPIC (Empowering People in Communities), based at The TRUNK in Charford, got to have lunch with HM The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in Worcester. The invite was in recognition of the community work she had done in the area for more than 15 years.

And Wythall resident Charlotte ‘Betty’ Webb was also at the lunch for her work during World War II at Bletchley Park, where the Government’s Code and Cypher School was based. It is widely believed that she and her colleagues played a key role in helping save Britain from another two years of war.

Sue Bailey, the managing director of marketing agency Gough Bailey Wright, braved the rain at the Jubilee Pageant after being invited to go by the Sainsbury’s CEO. The Sainsbury’s boat was one of the 1,000-vessel floatilla.

Droitwich resident Barbara Saunt and Bromsgrovian Jane Docherty received telegrams from The Queen, in her Diamond Jubilee year, for reaching the magical milestone of 100-years-old.

Royalist octogenerian Rose Bosbury, who lives in Crabtree Court, Sidemoor, received a letter of thanks from The Queen after Her Majesty received a knitted blanket by her for her corgis. It was sent in by Betty Cottrill, who co-runs the ‘knit and knatter’ group which Rose is a member of.

Schools and nurseries also showed off their creative side ahead of the Diamond Jubilee, theming art and craft sessions around it.

And when the extended Diamond Jubilee weekend came, plenty of red, white and blue was seen as residents, schools, nurseries, churches, businesses and other organisations held a variety of special events to mark The Queen’s 60 years on the throne. Celebrations ranged from traditional street parties and afternoon teas to parades, special services and crowning ceremonies.

For more pictures, visit www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk