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Congratulations to HRH Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee year

9th February 2022

Last Sunday was Accession Day, commemorating when Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen 70 years ago on 6 February 1952, following the death of her father, George VI.

To mark the start of this special year for Queen Elizabeth, The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dennis Booth, will propose, and Councillor Angela Gunning will second the following motion at the Full Council on 9 February: “That an address be sent to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II offering Her Majesty the congratulations of Guildford Borough Council in the name of the people of Guildford, on the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of her accession to the throne and wishing her long to reign.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Joss Bigmore, said: “As the nation comes together to celebrate the Queen’s historic reign, there’s lots of activities to get involved with here in Guildford.

“From shop window competitions coordinated by our brilliant Business Improvement District, Experience Guildford, to beacon parades and a free picnic at Guildford Castle, there are many ways to come together for royal fun across the first week of June.

“We can also help your road or village celebrate in style with a street party, Street Play or doing sports. We are waiving the fee for applications for closing your road to cars. Why not get your neighbours together for this once in a lifetime event and come together for a Big Jubilee Lunch. You can also raise funds for your Jubilee activities through our Crowdfund Guildford platform.”

To apply for a road closure for your street party, please visit our website.

Councillor Joss Bigmore continued: “As part of the Jubilee celebrations, we have entered Guildford into the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition to gain city status. Our #BackOurBid campaign saw pledges of support from groups and individuals including politicians, the University of Surrey, Surrey County Council, our Business Improvement District, residents, local businesses, local dignitaries and faith groups. You can view our full application on our website.”

We also marked this moment in history by planting a tree for the jubilee, as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. On 26 January, Year 5 Pupils from Holy Trinity Pewley Down School who share a passion for the environment were chosen to help the Mayor of Guildford plant the tree, which has been marked on the QGC Map. Why not get involved and plant your own tree? From individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, to villagers and schools, anyone can help the environment by planting trees.

The Mayor of Guildford said: “I’m looking forward to our communities coming together this year to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and her impressive 70-year reign. The Queen has visited our borough several times throughout her reign, opening and visiting important buildings for our community.

“Planting a tree for the jubilee is a great way we can all take part in the national celebration and put Guildford on the tree-planting map.”

Since 1952, the Queen has had several visits to our borough:

  • 27 June 1957 

HM the Queen and Prince Philip visit Guildford to inspect work at the Cathedral and receive the traditional plum cake at the Guildhall.

  • 17 May 1961

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip attend the consecration of the Cathedral.

  • 30 October 1964

HM the Queen opens the Women’s Royal Army’s Corps’ (WRAC) at Queen Elizabeth Barracks

  • 26 May 1979

HM the Queen visits the WRAC at Queen Elizabeth Park.

  • 11 December 1998

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip visit Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and launch the Surrey Space Centre

  • 13 April 2006

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip tour Guildford after distributing Maundy Money at the Cathedral. They were presented with the traditional plum cake.

  • 18 November 2011

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip Queen visit Guildford Cathedral to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.

  • 15th October 2015

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip open the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

HMQ-Bishop-Guildford

Press contact: Sophie Dyer, Policy Officer (Communications) sophie.dyer@guildford.gov.uk