Across the four corners of the United Kingdom, local authorities are considering how best to mark and celebrate this unique year. In Walsall, the decision has been made early on that the focus is very much on local communities.
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said:
“Officers worked diligently behind the scenes to work up draft proposals for how we might best support celebrations of this very special year and I’m really pleased, as were my Cabinet colleagues, that inclusivity, community and legacy were at the heart of their thinking.
“We have decided to work in partnership with the Walsall Community Network, which will administer small grants on Walsall Council’s behalf of up to £250 to support community events which will help neighbours to get to know their neighbours. It may not sound much, but anyone who has worked on community events as a volunteer will know that a little can go a very long way.”
Walsall Council also plans, in partnership with the Barr Beacon Trust, to join in with the national lighting of Beacons event on 2 June.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council and Chair of the Barr Beacon Trust said:
“The Trust is more than happy to contribute to the funding of this event. Hundreds of people attended the Diamond Jubilee Beacon event in 2012 and it really was a great night. Barr Beacon is precious to the people of Walsall both as a beautiful local nature reserve and because of its stately First World War monument and commanding views of the West Midlands and beyond.
“We’ll already know we’re part of a national celebration on the night, but if the weather is fine and we can see other beacons, that would be the icing on the cake.”
In terms of legacy, Walsall Council plans to commission an oral history project, to capture residents’ memories of the Coronation, visits by The Queen to Walsall over the years and memories and photographs of previous Jubilee parties and celebrations.
Councillor Perry added:
“What will be fascinating is people’s memories of what their lives were like at certain times. For example, how many Walsall families would have had a television in 1953? The answer is ‘not many’ and in reality that one family in the street which had a 9” black and white TV probably had 40 neighbours crammed in their best room to watch the Coronation.
“It’s hard to imagine that life these days, when we have several televisions and smartphones offer us access to so much, but I think it’s important to capture all of these memories, including the clothing of the day, the music and what made it onto the table for street parties.
“In Pelsall, we’re planning an event at the Community Centre. I’m sure there’d be uproar if pork pies and sausage rolls didn’t make an appearance — and of course they will — but I can’t imagine a buffet these days without samosas, paneer rolls, bhajis, pasta salads, olives and so on being on the table too.
“We are truly rich in our diversity in Walsall. Unfortunately it does nothing for my waistline!”
