A bagpipe player who was part of the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony is joining in a worldwide tribute to the Queen.
Colleen Scott, 56, who lives in Reading, spotted news of Hurst village’s jubilee beacon lighting on Thursday, June 2 – and offered to play at the ceremony. Her offer was gladly accepted.
A Reading Scottish Pipe Band member, she said: “A tune, Diu Regnare [Latin for Long to Reign], was specially composed for the Queen’s jubilee by Stuart Liddell.
“It has been sent to pipers across all the Commonwealth countries to be played at 9.35pm on June 2. I’m looking forward to playing it at Hurst.
“It’s a 6/8 march, that’s waltz time. It’s a really pretty tune. I lived in Hurst for 14 years on and off as a long term house sitter for some friends.
“When people were coming to their doorsteps there to clap for the NHS workers I joined them, playing the bagpipes.” Colleen, a self employed IT contractor, is moving to Woodley in June.
The events at Hurst on June 2 start with hot drinks and children’s crafts at St Nicholas Church from 6.30pm to 8pm. People will gather at the community orchard over the road from 8pm.
At the orchard there will be a rock choir of 80 singers performing, St Nicholas church bells, handbell ringing of the national anthem, Colleen’s bagpipe playing, and St Nicholas Singers performing the jubilee song A Life Filled with Grace.
The beacon will be lit by Lucy Zeal, Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire at 9.45pm. The beacon is being given to the village by Haines Hill Estate.
An outside bar and food will be available. People are encouraged to arrive early and walk if possible as parking will be limited. Details are at https//www.hurst-jubilee.co.uk
