30th May 2012

On a lovely, sunny day Mrs Penelope Lewis, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, came to Upton to unveil the plaque in Upton in Bloom's Diamond Jubilee Rose Bed. The rose bed was proposed at our 2011 Annual General Meeting and met with immediate enthusiasm. 60 'Diamond Jubilee' roses were offered to the public, and all were subscribed to very quickly. The Rosa 'Diamond Jubilee' was first introduced about 40 years ago. All subscribers, sponsors & volunteers were invited to the event.

Mrs Lewis was accompanied by her husband, Dr Lewis, and Chaplain, her brother, Bishop Anthony, retired Bishop of Ely. The Primary School Choir charmed the attendees with their repertoire. Bishop Anthony said some prayers and Mrs Lewis unveiled the plaque. The National Anthem was sung and guests went into the Heritage Centre to get a drink with which to drink to The Queen when Biship Anthony proposed the Loyal Toast. They also viewed and tasted the cake, supplied by Mollies Cakes. The Committee and Mrs Lewis's party then retired to the White Lion Hotel for a buffet supplied by the Hotel.

A solitary rose bloomed on the day.

Thank you to everyone who helped and attended the event, and to Tim Dance for taking the following pictures.