Over the bank holiday weekend, Richard joined a number of Platinum Jubilee celebrations across the constituency to celebrate Her majesty's historic reign.
On Wednesday evening Richard was asked to give a reading at Podington's Jubilee Concert. Richard said:
I was delighted to be invited to participate in the opening event of the Podington Jubilee Weekend Celebrations. The Parish Council pulled together an amazing array of events over the weekend which I'm sure will have brought great happiness to locals and visitors alike.
On Thursday afternoon, Richard attended the Jubilee Concert at Sandye Place in Sandy. Speaking at that event he said:
I had great fun at Sandye Place with Cllr Caroline Maudlin. With the music lasting well into the evening this was a great community event for Sandy and surrounding villages. I also chatted with the Deputy Mayor, Joanna Hewitt, about longer term plans for this lovely green space.
On Thursday evening, Richard was asked to light the Clapham and Oakley beacon. Speaking after that event, Richard said:
I was pleased to join local Councillors Jane Walker from Clapham and Jon Abbott from Oakley, together with Chair of Clapham Parish Council, Phillipa Simms, to light their Jubilee Beacon. It was an enjoyable and well-attended event and a fitting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.
Richard also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the Jubilee in Cotton End. Speaking after that event he said:.
I was very happy to be asked to join residents of Cotton End to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne by unveiling a commemorative plaque for the Cotton End Jubilee. The Tree was kindly funded by the Royal British Legion as part of Her Majesty’s Green Canopy initiative.
Richard was also very fortunate to be invited to attend Her Majesty's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on behalf of his constituents. Commenting, he said:
Faith plays a central role in the life of our Queen as it does for so many of us.
The sermon by the Archbishop of York thanked the Queen for “staying the course” and extolled her selfless commitment to service saying : “For me, the best leaders - like Paul, like Jesus – are those who know how to be led. People who lead for others, not themselves. People whose heart’s desire is to serve the common good and build up the common life; who don’t try to do it all themselves, or act in their own strength alone; people who take a longer view; and who seek out places of replenishing, even places where they might learn the mind of Christ.”
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful bank holiday weekend as we joined together to celebrate the seven decades of selfless duty and dedication of Her Majesty the Queen.
