A SPECIAL AND HISTORIC DAY FOR RUGBY:
Extensive media coverage will start its build up from today, so be the first to hear the details of the major Procession taking place for our Queens Diamond Jubilee. The route is a measured half mile long, but be prepared for hanging about before and during the parade. Wear appropriate clothes. It should be warm enough in June, but bring a brolly … just in case!
The day will actually begin in Caldecott Park at 9am. There will be a huge event with stalls and entertainment all day. About 600 people are expected to be in the procession at 2pm. Now is the time to give your names to Sue and Derek to confirm your place in the procession.
People parading under the banner of Rugby Disability Forum need to meet at ‘The Bank’ in Bank Street to be ready by 1-30pm for the short walk to Gas Street car park in time to register. Chance to get a drink while you get together. The pub has kindly allowed us to congregate there, so if it is hot or damp this will be a major advantage. Our thanks must go to them. Ian Bennington will have the list of names to tick off, and he will be the one to register RDF when in Gas Street, and he will be given a position to muster. He will be in charge from then on. Andrew and Ian will carry the banner and David Foster will lead the unit on the march. Beware of walkers in front of you. Low speeds on scooters, please.
There is an excellent Disabled Toilet in The Bank, so take advantage of this. In Gas Street there is The Rupert Brooke disabled toilet for emergancies, but remember the public will also be there. Please Note, that level access to the Rupert Brooke toilet is only from Castle Street, not from the car park! Portaloo’s will be set up too.
There will be free water bottles available in Gas Street for the marchers. Suzanna of Rentmobility has promised wheelchairs for those who feel they cannot walk all the way. I will need to know numbers well in advance. Don’t forget you will need pushers as well! Regimental Precision will be maintained once the sign-in is completed, and in the park at the end units will be dismissed one by one to avoid a crush. Do not disperse until dismissed!
The Parish Church bells will be rung for 45 minutes at 1-00pm. Although Rugby is the only church with two bell towers, only one will ring. The second set is so loud it would drown out the proceedings.
The Procession starts at 2pm and there will be a halt at the Clock Tower for the salute and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the event. The route is the same as advertised. Church St; Albert St; Henry St; Regent St; Church St; and after the clock tower North Street to Caldecott Park. TV and camera coverage will be intense so smile for the camera’s. You will have noticed recently how many books have been published of Victorias Diamond Jubilee celebrations. When our kids look back in years to come you will want them to see our faces in the films and pictures so be in the parade. Call Derek on 01788 552219 if you want to be included in the procession. Don’t be away like us and miss it. I suggest, if you are taking the children away for the bank holiday, you leave on Sunday. Rugby is going all out for a very special day and they won’t want to miss it!
For your information; lost children will be taken to a special point in Caldecott Park and loudspeaker announcements will be made. Stewards will wear Orange to distinguish them from the Police who will wear Yellow. Parking will be restricted and some roads closed. Barford Multi storey will be open, but will fill up early in the day. The car park behind the Town Hall will be free, but will also be filled quickly. Dropping off will be permitted in the ground level car park off Railway Terrace, but you will not be able to stay there as this is being kept for Buses, Mini coaches, the bands, and the VIP’s.
A ‘Fly-Past’ is planned and verbally promised, but not yet confirmed. It is not known whether it will pass over during the parade, the salute, or over the Park, so watch this space for more news. Rugby is the only town in the area to have made plans this,big, so it should happen.
Be aware that left bags will be quickly removed … as they will throughout 2012 … so don’t leave stuff lying about. We are fortunate that the Queens Jubilee and the Olympics are on the same year, but be careful and have FUN. Sue and I truly wish we could have been there with you on the day. Be happy and have a great day!
Regards, Derek.
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