Fear not my colonial friends, Fletcher's Cove parkrun is not seeking to re-establish the former Empire, but we did allow some indulgence on Saturday for event #268 as our British volunteer cohort celebrated the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. We paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign, during which she has met with 13 US Presidents.
This week also saw further celebrations as we recognized 10 years of parkrun in the USA (Fletcher's Cove followed with its first event in 2016).
On the theme of milestones, we took a moment to honor our own Fletcher's 'Queen Maria' who clocked up an amazing 50 volunteer credits, routinely taking on the role of timekeeper and offering much enthusiasm at the finish - thanks Maria, enjoy the cake!
Even with the heat we welcomed 57 parkrunners this week, with 7 first timers...
The heat prevented any PBs being recorded, although the youngsters put in an impressive display, taking Gold & Silver.
Platinum medals this week for our volunteers, without whom the event would not have been possible, thanks Chris (Royal Run Director), supported by Andres, Dan, Lisa, Nancy, Tricia, Bella, Dan, Bill, Luke, Queen Maria & Katherine.
Do please think about volunteering once in a while; we can't promise a knighthood, but you'll enjoy the experience and it's a great way to support the local parkrun community - if first timers or tourists wish to offer any reflections for a future run report we'll give you a volunteer credit and you'll be on your way to getting your own volunteer t-shirt... and maybe a cake!
Returning to the Platinum Jubilee, I'll end on a message from US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken:
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the United Kingdom on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and official birthday.
Her Majesty’s unprecedented 70 years of service to the United Kingdom are an inspiration to Americans, who deeply admire the Queen and are grateful for her decades of friendship with the United States. Through our special relationship, common history, and shared values, we work together to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law worldwide. Our countries collaborate closely on virtually every significant challenge and opportunity the world over precisely because we have no closer partner.
The United States joins the British people in celebrating this historic and joyous occasion. I send my heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity, and good health to Her Majesty and all the people across the United Kingdom.