CELEBRATIONS galore are planned for Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers for the golden jubilee weekend.
The Bere Peninsula Jubilee Group has organised events from the Saturday to the Tuesday, and kicks off with a variety show at 7.30pm on Saturday in the parish hall to celebrate the five decades.
The local Gardening Club has arranged a Garden Open Afternoon with approximately 14 gardens in the area going on view during Saturday afternoon, ranging from informal to specialised.
In addition, the Tamar Belle Heritage Group at Bere Ferrers Station will be opening the new visitor centre for the first time on that day — displaying a permanent exhibition of local railway, agricultural and
other history.
On Sunday there will be a civic service in St Andrew's Church in Bere Ferrers at 2pm, with a hog roast and barbecue in the Recreation Field in Bere Alston with band The Blitz from 7.30 to 10.30pm.
A Children's Fun Day will take place on Monday from 2pm to 5pm and will include a magician, disco, rides and the Sparkwell Wildlife Caravan.
The Senior Citizens have their tea party on Tuesday in the parish hall with the Stannary Brass Band, entry by ticket only.
A Mammoth Draw during the first week in June will have a first prize of £100 plus other prizes.
Every child up to and including primary school age in the peninsula will receive a Jubilee mug — including any child not yet born but expected during the year.
There are extra mugs available for anyone who would like one for £3 each. They can be obtained from the parish clerk, Mary Taylor, on 840748.
Meanwhile, a group formed from various organisations in Bere Ferrers has also organised events on the Sunday, with old-fashioned games — including a sack race, egg and spoon race and rounders — in the Playing Field from 3.30 to 6.30pm.
There will also be a giant hat competition, and 1950s dress is optional.
For those not attending the hog roast in Bere Alston in the evening, there will be a barbecue on Bere Ferrers Quay — but you need to bring your own food.