Sun shines on Downton's Jubilee party (From Salisbury Journal)

Sun shines on Downton's Jubilee party

5:30am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in News By Elizabeth Kemble

THE sun shone down on Downton as the village turned out to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with a whole day of festivities.

Beginning with a carnival parade and ending with fireworks lighting up the skies above, the day also involved a tea party for more than 200 pensioners, an aerial display by a Second World War aircraft and the attendance of seven Queen Elizabeths – one to represent each decade of her reign.

Florence Corbin, 102, said: “I’ve been enjoying it very much, it’s a marvellous day.”

Ken Rayner came to watch the procession with his three-year-old son, Luca.

“An event like this brings everyone together, it’s nice to be a part of it,” he said.

The day also saw the village’s chief fundraiser step down from his role after 34 years.

Malcolm Dean, who has helped raise £340,000 over the years for local charities and good causes, helped raise £20,000 for the jubilee celebrations.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing.

“The preparations for this have been going on for 18 months and I have had a very good team.

“During the evening I shed a few tears, it was very emotional – I think it was when everyone started singing ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

On Monday Mr Dean lit the village beacon in Moot Lane corner.