This week Neil Carmichael looks back at the Jubilee The Central Weekend of the Diamond Jubilee was a great celebration not just of our Queen and her fantastic service to the nation but also our society with all its communities, facets, and, above all, individuals and families. Each event I attended underlined the rich diversity and strength of being British.

My Jubilee activities started at Parliament School for a fantastic Jubilee Cream Tea organised by parents. The event underlined the value of community involvement and I was particularly impressed when chatting to pupils about their plans for the weekend ahead.

Next it was a 1950s theme at Whiteshill Playing Field where the village school 's Samba Band started proceedings off. Traditional stalls, including an excellent beer tent, set the scene for a great afternoon. Cake, Flower, Hula-Hoop and Fancy Dress competitions abounded.

A further highlight was the National Trailboat Festival in Stroud. Stroud on Water was a glorious celebration of the first phase of the restoration of the canal, and attracted large numbers of canal enthusiasts and local people. Proof, if needed, of the value of the restoration project. Next year I intend to do a floating surgery along the canal, mooring at various meetings points to meet constituents.

Another great event took place in Amberley finishing up with a traditional Land of Hope and Glory singing session in the church, accompanied by a highly proficient police band with plenty of flag waving throughout.

Hardwicke was my next destination for the „Jubilee Fun Day. It was a superbly organised event and I was proud to be invited to formally open it. Amongst a huge range of stalls and attractions, all three armed forces were represented in addition to the fire and rescue service. As ever, many local organisations were represented and the Health Living Festival‚ week commencing June 23 was also promoted.

All of these events and other activities I participated in highlighted the massive contribution local people give in making things happen and we should all salute them. Our communities are full of dynamic individuals in a society proud to be part of the Diamond Jubilee.

If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website www.neilcarmichael.co.uk http://www.neilcarmichael.co.uk