Creating the longest-ever line of bunting to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, June 2-5, is the ambitious goal of people supported by Livability Chelmsford’s disability services. Local schools, other Livability Essex and UK services, groups and individuals are invited to help smash the 12-mile target by sending red, white and blue bunting to Livability Chelmsford. The bunting is predicted to stretch 26 times round Livability’s St Giles Bicnacre site.
The Bunting Challenge is one of the highlights of Livability Chelmsford’s Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5 June. Residents and staff at Livability’s Chelmsford services and their families and friends will be celebrating the annual Big Lunch together, as a street party in their grounds.
‘This will be the first big community event Livability Chelmsford has hosted since pandemic restrictions began and everyone is invited to help us set the Unofficial World Record,’ says Maureen McCabe, Team Leader at St Giles, part of Livability Chelmsford. ‘You can join in by making or sending store-bought bunting to St. Giles. Residents from at St. Giles are already whizzing up yards of bunting on her sewing machine.’
Maureen McCabe and the people supported by Livability Chelmsford have been planning the event for about a year. Many people at this service have been under tight restrictions because of health conditions, so excitement is high, say Georgia, Graham and Abbey, who are part of this service:
‘I have really enjoyed painting flags for the bunting and can’t wait for the party.’
Georgia
‘I love the queen and I had the opportunity to meet her some time ago. I had a royal theme for my 60th birthday and I can’t wait to celebrate the Jubilee with my friends.’
Graham
‘I am so excited and I am already sorting out my red, white and blue outfit for the street party.’
Abbey
The Big Jubilee Lunch is a special event for Livability services all around the UK because it is an opportunity to thank the community – local volunteers, businesses, community organisations, churches and clubs and families of people we support – for their support and friendship during the challenging pandemic years. Connecting people with disabilities with their local community is a key part of the charity’s work, promoting inclusion and wellbeing for all.