- The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).
“Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” has been ongoing in Moray since May 2021. Communities, schools, organisations and land owners are encouraged to plant whips, saplings or trees. Many have already done so. Free whips are obtainable from the Woodland Trust and The Community Volunteers (TCV).
A ceremonial avenue of 58 trees will be planted in the Cooper Park.
Contact: The Moray QGC Project Coordinator, Helen Moore, for further information and to register your intentions at: mqgc@lordlieutenantmoray.co.uk
Further information is on: www.queensgreencanopy.org
- The Moray Badge Platinum Jubilee (MBPJ)
Launched on 10 June 2021, this is unique to Moray. Currently some 32 schools and 3,500 pupils in Banffshire and Moray are taking part in various challenges. The closure date for registration was 4 February. The activities will finish in April and the awards will be presented in June.
Contact: MBPJ Project Leader is Helen Moore at: helen@moraybadge.org.uk. There is further information at: www.moraybadge.org.uk
- Beacon Lighting around the UK and Commonwealth on Thursday 2nd June.
Communities, Armed Forces, Reserves and Cadets, organisations and individuals are encouraged to take part in beacon and bonfire lighting, piping, bugling and singing.
9.35 pm. Pipers and pipe bands are asked to play “Diu Regnare” composed by PM Stuart Liddell.
9.40 pm. Buglers and cornet players are asked to play “Majesty”.
9.45 pm. Beacons and bonfires lit, buildings, bridges, monuments and lighthouses etc. lit up.
9.45pm. Military Wives Choirs, other choirs and singing groups are encouraged to sing a “Song for the Commonwealth”.
These may be individual events within communities or on private land, but any 4 of the above elements could join together at one location.
Beacons and bonfires must be carefully sited to avoid fire risk, must be marshalled and under the control of a responsible person with access to fire extinguishers. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service should be informed in advance on 01382 835804. Consideration should be given to the impact on animals. Fireworks and Chinese lanterns are discouraged. Material for bonfires should be destined for burning and not specially cut, new wood.
There is a strong desire to have beacons/bonfires around the coast of the Moray Firth.
Pipers, buglers, communities and individuals are asked to register their participation as per ‘The Beacons’ Guide’: www.queensjubileebeacons.com (where you can also find details of how to order a gas fired beacon) and choirs at www.commonwealthresounds.com.
Contacts: Banffshire: Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson at andy.louise1@btinernet.com
Moray: Sue Finnegan, DL at Timothyfinnegan@hotmail.com or Al Monkman, DL, at monkbat6@gmail.com.
- The Big Lunch on Sunday 5th June.
Communities, Armed Forces, Reserves and Cadets, organisations and individuals are encouraged to hold a ‘Big Lunch’ – it could also be a tea party! This may take the form of a street party, BBQ or picnic-whatever people want to do.
The Eden Project, who have been organizing ‘Big Lunches’ since 2012, are leading on advice and support including special packs. Their website is: https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com
Various activities may need the Moray Council’s approval or licence but the normal fees are being waived. Contact: LicStandardsofficers@moray.gov.uk.
Contact: Banffshire: Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson at andy.louise1@btinernet.com
Moray: Joan Cowe, DL, at joancowe@gmail.com.
- Branding Planned Events
A special Platinum Jubilee emblem available for use by local groups. This can be used to brand any community activity or event this year and the emblem can be used in publicity. These can also be registered on a national events calendar. Guidelines and copies of the emblem are here: https://www.royal.uk/queens-platinum-jubilee-emblem
- Further information and registering events:
Full details and links to more information and how to register your activities are available on these websites:
www.lordlieutenantbanffshire.co.uk
An event being organised through a community council should be covered by its insurance through Moray Council. If not, then insurance advice should be sought to ensure suitable cover.
Anyone planning an event (especially the lighting of beacons) is asked to inform the Banffshire and Moray Lieutenancies with contact and location details. This will allow support and publicity to be co-ordinated across the area. Please email: Lieutenancy@moray.gov.uk
