WOKINGHAM residents were treated to a spectacular jubilee celebration on Friday afternoon.
Visitors flocked to Spencers Wood Recreation Ground to enjoy the activities on show, as well as their own picnic lunches.
With something for everyone, families came out in their numbers; face painting, balloon-making and a magic show all proved popular with the children.
“It’s been a great day,” organiser Linda Gale said.
“It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves here.”
The day was commemorated with a rousing rendition of the national anthem, delivered with patriotism fit for the occasion.
The jubilee also served as a moment of reflection, with children learning about the significance of the day through Jubilee-themed games.
Spencers Wood historians were also on hand to share their expert knowledge at one of the stalls.
A firm sense of community sat at the heart of the event the organising committee had dreamt up.
Ms Gale highlighted two main motivations for keeping the celebration free to attend.
“First of all, it was being aware of the number of families in this so-called affluent area, who are struggling to make ends meet, to just get by to feed their kids,” she explained.
“I saw this first-hand from volunteering at Helping Hands [food share] at Shinfield Baptist Church.”
“The second inspiration for me was a young lady who is usually very involved in the annual Spencers Wood Carnival.”
“She couldn’t be here today, so I picked her brains and she said ‘Linda, make it free.’ And that’s what it’s been – it’s been wonderful.”
Ms Gale was full of praise for the support the organising committee had received from local organisations.
“The community around the three villages have been so generous to us,” she explained.
“We were successful in securing grants from the Shinfield Parish and One Stop, and without them we would not have been able to put this event together.”
