The Jubilee in Loftus

On Saturday 2nd June 2012, over 150 Sea, Army, Air and Police Cadets took part in a Parade through Loftus to mark the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen.

The Parade started with an inspection of cadets by Mr A Wharton Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, the Mayors of Loftus, Redcar & Cleveland, Guisborough and Whitby, and by local Member of Parliament Mr T Blenkinsop; before parading through Loftus Market Place to St Leonard’s Parish Church. A good number of local people congregated in the Market Place to witness the largest parade seen in Loftus for a generation.

The Parade was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving in a packed St Leonard’s Parish Church. The congregation of over 250 sang hymns, prayed for Her Majesty and heard the Bishop of Whitby, The Rt Revd Martin Warner, preach on the symbolism of Her Majesty’s Coronation. The service concluded with the rapturous singing of the National Anthem.

A civic reception was hosted by Loftus Town Council in Loftus Town Hall for dignitaries and cadets, while others enjoyed a barbeque in the Churchyard. Visitors and guests also took the opportunity to see the Ecumenical Flower Festival at St Leonard’s Parish Church Loftus and St Joseph’s RC Church Loftus.

Photograph By Simon Gaunt