by Desmond Pugh

A party atmosphere spread throughout the towns, villages and streets of Monmouthshire as the crowds turned out to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

At Skenfrith on Sunday, there was a hog roast and live music in the village hall; the shop gave out free flags and lollipops to youngsters, while at Raglan, the party was held on the playground by St Cadoc's Court.

The bouncy castle was paid for by the Nisa supermarket, with Neil James providing the burgers and Alan Griffiths giving the milk and cream.

Residents donated enough food and drink to feed everyone and 'Lounging About' entertained the crowd with open mic sessions for anyone brave enough to take centre stage.

Organiser Sylvia Price was grateful for everyone that had been generous with their time and effort.

"It is great to see everyone pulling together to make this event a success," she added.

Tuesday saw the better weather with Kymin View School hosting the Wyesham celebrations. Percy Willet, the oldest resident there, declared the event open and a choir of brownies and guides performed their own royal version of Queen's song 'Killer Queen'.

The barbecue was supplied by J and M Decorators, other food was made by residents, supplemented by cakes made by Shirley Lewis, Val Thomas, Connie Morgan, Angela Tobin, June Osman and Margaret Morris.

Limetree Avenue in Wyesham held its own street party for residents complete with bunting and flags.

A musical picnic in the park on Chippenham Mead was financed by Monmouth Town Council with all the food and drink and entertainment provided free. The entertainment included Sam Densham's group from the Savoy Youth Theatre, followed by the singing sisters Rachel and Sophie Stevens from Wyesham.

Following the dedication of an oak tree by former mayor Mona Thomas, the fun continued with Mr Paul and Friends and a Monmouth's Got Talent event, won by Grace Chadwick who sang without backing, second was Nathan Friend with a very good Shakespearean monologue and third were the singing duet Sophie and Rachel Stevens.

For the full story on the Jubilee celebrations, see this week's Beacon (7th June)