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Hundreds of school children from across the county paraded through Hexham today, May 30th to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, before attending a special celebratory service in Hexham Abbey.
Over five hundred children from all four corners of Northumberland walked from the Sele Park in Hexham to the Abbey with banners they had specially prepared to mark and remember the Queen’s Jubilee.
The children were accompanied by The Duchess of Northumberland in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Mrs Harriet Benson the High Sheriff of Northumberland and The Bishop of Newcastle The Rt Revd Martin Wharton.
The special service of celebration and thanksgiving to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen was the brainchild of the Duchess and made possible with the support of Northumberland County Council and Hexham Abbey. After the service the children enjoyed a picnic lunch on the cloister lawn, kindly supplied by Greggs The Bakers and Northumbrian Water.
The service was led by the Rector of Hexham, Canon Graham Usher, with contributions from the Abbey’s choirs, The Duchess of Northumberland and local school children. The service focused on three themes - duty, service and unity - which characterize the 60 years of the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth.
Councillor Jim Smith, Chairman of Northumberland County Council said: "A Diamond Jubilee is effectively a once in a lifetime event. Up and down the country communities are coming together to mark what really is a landmark moment in our nation’s long royal history.
“The event at the Abbey was a very special day. I am delighted that so many schools took part and I am sure it will be an experience the children will remember for many years to come.”
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