10 June 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE East Court Diamond Jubilee celebrations culminated in a torchlit procession by members of the Air Training Corps, Army Cadets and the Nautical Training Corps.

Each unit carried four torches through the darkened East Court estate, and Cadet Flt Sgt Simon Petitt  presented his to Town Mayor Liz Bennett who lit the taper for the Jubilee beacon, with a little help from the town Fire Brigade.

Flt Lt Nigel Foster said: “The cadets were all extremely proud to be involved in the parade. It was a unique part of the celebrations and watching the torches move slowly through the trees down the drive at East Court  gave a real sense of occasion.  The young people who took part now have a place in the town’s history.”

The procession was a reprise of that held on Coronation Eve,  1 June 1953, when there was a torchlit procession from the High Street to East Court where a bonfire beacon was also lit in celebration.

Following the beacon lighting,  the estimated 5000-strong crowd watched a 12.5 minute firework display while listening to Sing (the Commonwealth Jubilee song), I vow to Thee my Country, Jerusalem and the National Anthem.