All you have to do is sign up to Flickr (if you haven’t already),
join the Diamond Jubilee group and start uploading. Easy!

To help remember a great weekend of celebrations, Bristol City Council
and JubileeBristol will choose the 10 best shots representing the
celebrations. With your permission these pictures will be used to
promote Bristol e.g. in Our City online, in print promotions for Bristol
City Council and on their social media pages, with relevant photo
credits. If you’ve not been published before then your Jubilee shots
could be the kick start your portfolio deserves.

Creating the ‘English Garden’ Cocktail:

Use the following measurements to create a cocktail in a tall glass for wine or a pitcher to share:

• ¾ Hendricks Gin
• ¼ Pimms No.1
• ½ English Apple Juice
• 1 ½ Cranberry Juice
• 1 ½ Elderflower cordial (if you like to go the extra mile, elderflower is now in season so it’s the perfect time of year you create you own cordial)

Drink responsibly or create a non alcoholic version by taking out the Pimms and Gin.

If you like to make things look a bit more interesting why not freeze some fresh strawberries and add them to your drink instead/or as well as some crushed ice for that finishing touch.

The Recipe: Hand Raised Chicken and Ham Pie ‘ROLLS’

Hot Water Pastry:

• 500g plain flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 whole eggs
• 100g butter
• 100g lard
• 170ml water

• Mix salt in flour in mixing bowl, make a well and add whole eggs.
• Bring butter, lard and water to the boil in a saucepan until all the fat is melted.
• Add to flour mix and beat until incorporated, wrap in cling film and set aside.

Filling:

• 1kg lean diced raw chicken [no bones or skin and preferably 50/50 breast and leg meat]
• 240g lean, diced, raw ham/gammon
• 800g good pork sausage meat [or peeled sausages] ; the better the sausage meat , the better the pie!
• 4 whole beaten free range eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Zest of 1 small lemon
• 1 sprig of tarragon [picked and chopped]
• 2 sprigs of flat parsley [picked and copped]

Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat until well mixed together.

Assembly:

•  Roll out the pastry into long rectangles.[This is exactly the same way as making sausage rolls ]
• Spoon the mix along one edge of the pastry or put the mix in a piping bag and squeeze it out along one edge.
• Brush the remaining area of pastry with cold water and roll up to form a big long sausage roll.
• Brush with beaten egg and bake as a whole piece at 160c until the core temperature reaches 75c.
• Remove from the oven and cool/chill, then cut into required sizes.

This dish works really well with a good chutney!

 No time? Order your hamper now!

If you’ve left everything to last minute or don’t have the time to spend tied to your kitchen and need an easy way to ensure your workplace celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee in style, Fosters Event Catering will cater for your office with specially made to order party picnic hampers.

The picnic hampers include everything an office needs to enjoy the event; delicious food and drink, Union Jack cup cakes as well as the must-have party paraphernalia Union Jack bunting, flags and serviettes all perfectly presented in a traditional wicker basket.

To book your hampers please contact Fosters Event Catering by calling 0117 9776611 or e-mailing info@fostersevents.co.uk. Full menus for the Jubilee Hampers are available from the Fosters website, www.fostersevents.co.uk.

Ingredients;

- 110g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 225g caster sugar, preferably golden
- 2 large eggs, free-range or organic
- 150g self-raising flour
- 125g plain flour
- 120ml semi-skimmed milk
- 1tsp good quality vanilla extract

For the vanilla buttercream icing:
- 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 60ml semi-skimmed milk
- 1 tsp good quality vanilla extract
- 500g icing sugar, sifted
(optional – Few drops of food colouring)

For the chocolate buttercream icing
- 110g unsalted butter
-170g icing sugar
- 55g sifted cocoa powder
- 1-2 tbsp milk

Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160 deg C

- Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and smooth. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. This can take a few minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure the mixture stays well combined.

- Add the vanilla extract to the milk in a plastic measuring jug.

- Combine the two flours in a separate bowl.

- Add one-third of the flours to the combined butter and sugar mixture and beat well. Pour in one-third of the milk and beat again. Repeat these steps until all the flour and milk has been added.

- Carefully spoon the mixture evenly into the cupcakes cases. Bake in the centre of the oven for approx 25 minutes (regular size) or 15 minutes (mini size) until slightly raised and golden brown. Check with a cake skewer in the centre of one of the cakes to see that they are cooked.

Leave in their tins for 10 minutes or so and then place carefully on a wire rack to cool. When completely cool, you can ice these cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing.

The cupcakes can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

For the vanilla buttercream:

Beat the butter, milk, vanilla extract and half the icing sugar until smooth. This will usually take a few minutes. Gradually add the remainder of the icing sugar to produce a buttercream of a creamy and smooth consistency.

If you want to colour your buttercream, always start with a drop of colouring and beat thoroughly. This will be all you need to create a very pale pastel shade. You can then add more drops and beat after each addition to build up to your desired shade.

For the chocolate buttercream, follow the above method but mix the icing sugar and cocoa powder together first and then gradually add to the wet mixture.
Pipe or spread the icing with a knife over your cupcakes and decorate however you like.

(The buttercream can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Before re-using beat well.)

DIY Union Jack nails look amazing and hardly cost anything. For the Jubliee weekend, there’s not a better time to give it a go.

Now if you’re anything like me and can’t draw in straight lines, this easy technique will give you an amazing finish.

• Buy some tape on a dispenser –  Scotch Tape or Magic Tape seem to be the best. It’s not too clear or too thick, comes on a dispenser and I know it worked for me. However, feel free to try any kind of tape and see what results you get.
• Paint two thick strips, one white and one red. Make the strips a tiny bit longer than your nails – you’ll be cutting them shorter.
• While that’s drying paint your nails a shade of blue.
• Once all nail polish has dried, cut strips of white and red from the tape (make the white strips larger than the red so you can see them beneath.)
  If you find the tape is sticking to everything in between using it (as I did) hang each strip off the edge of a piece of grease proof paper, or anything that won’t pull apart when you take the tape off to use.
• Once you’ve cut your strips, you can start to make your flag shape (I had a picture of the Union Jack in front of me for reference, just in case)
• Start by making a cross with the white strips and then diagonally lay another set of white strips over the top of your first cross.
• Then do the same with the thinner red strips.
• Don’t worry if the strips over lay onto your fingers or the top of the nail. Just trim the sides with nail scissors then fold the top ones over the back of the nail and use a nail file, filing downwards until they come away.
• Once you’ve done that you should have something that resembles the Union Jack and then to finish, put a clear top coat on top.

You don’t have to stick to the traditional blue, white and red. Try pastel shades, neon or match them to whatever you intend to wear.
If you find that it looks too 3D for your liking (which will depend on what thickness of tape you used), paint the white and just use the red strips or vice versa.

Monday, 4th June is set to be a wonderful summer celebration in honour of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Head over to The Downs from 3pm onwards for an afternoon full of exciting activities and games for all the family to enjoy.It’s sure to be busy so make sure to plan ahead and check the best route to get there.

The Downs is less than two miles from the city centre on the north west of Bristol and located at the top of Whiteladies Road (A4018). If travelling from north Bristol, Westbury Road leads to The Downs. The Downs covers a large area north of Clifton Suspension Bridge almost to Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym.

Road closures – Circular Road will be closed from its junction with Ivywell Road to junction with Ladies Mile from 7.30am until 11pm. The road closures will be staffed throughout the closure by professional stewards from Green Event Security.

Public transport – If you would like to travel by public transport you can find travel information on www.travelbristol.org which provides information for all the main methods of transport in Bristol.

City Sightseeing: Offering trips to the Downs from city centre as part of their usual service. An evening shuttle service back into the city centre. All payment for these trips is by donation to Guide Dogs.

Car – If you are planning to travel by car to the event, parking will be available off Rockleaze (follow signs). Staffed between 2.30pm and 8pm. Parking here is charged at £3 per car. Other car parks are available in the area. Please use the ‘car park finder’ at www.travelbristol.org.

Information point – Staffed 3pm to 10pm. Meet here for guided walks and to get information about the event.

If your not sure whether to go, why not take a look at what’s on and see if it takes your fancy.

- Partake in a guided walk 

Walks will run throughout the event and enjoy: Birds with Richard Bland; Butterflies with Martin Collins; History with Francis Greenacre and Angela Nutbrown. There will also be a walk led by Nick Wray from the University of Bristol Botanic Garden up to the event site (Location: Durdham Down, Sea Walls)

Hot air balloons and pre-booked flights

Bristol is world famous for its balloons so come and see the popular Churchill Dog ‘special shape’ balloon among others. We hope this will also be one of the first Downs balloon lifts in almost 30 years.

- Crazy golf

- Bristol classic cars and buses

Around ten classic cars on display for people to admire, including at least one restored Bristol Car. We will also have five Bristol Buses from different eras on display.

There will be a Diamond Jubilee Beacon and children’s lantern fancy dress procession where children are encouraged to dress up and become Kings and Queens for the day.

Performances from Cotham School Steel Pan Band, Pan Sonic, Sisters of Swing and many more.

Then at 10pm, watch the lighting of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacon, ahead of the Queen lighting her own beacon in London at 10.30pm.

For Children there will be;

- A Children’s marquee

3pm to 6.30pm Create your own wildlife crown to become king or queen of the Downs for the day.

7pm to 8.45pm Decorate a colourful lantern and join us in the Jubilee fancy dress procession.

- Storytelling tent

Bristol storyteller Martin Maudsley will tell terrific tales of birds, bees and trees to help bring the Downs to life for the Diamond Jubilee celebration. Storytelling sessions take place at 3pm to 3.30pm, 3.45pm to 4.15pm and 4.30pm to 5pm.

- Family activities and a games area

Bristol Rotarians will be offering the following children’s activities and games (under adult supervision) from 3pm until 7pm:

- Coconut shy – throw balls to knock a coconut off its stand.

- Photo board for families – a seven foot by four foot board showing adults and children in Royal dress with holes for faces. Place your head in a hole to have your photo taken. Bring your camera.

- Test your strength – use a hammer to hit a button and send a puck up a wire to hit the bell.

- Treasure hunt – family challenge to follow the clues and find the treasure chest.

Bring a picnic or there will be stalls offering quality, locally sourced refreshments including an open-top bus cafe and ice cream vans.

Entry to the event is free, however some activities will have a charge.

Location: Durdham Down, Sea Walls
3pm-10pm

For more information visit: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/diamond-jubilee-downs-day

Once again we’re showing the rest of the UK that we know how to celebrate better than anyone else outside of London!

In addition to the 92 street parties booked, there are many public events and lots of  ‘off street’  parties too.

Well done Bristol! Let’s hope it the weather stays nice.

“I am absolutely delighted that Bristol has maintained its position as Street Party capital outside of London.  With a total of 92 parties, it is lovely to know that so many of our residents will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee  in this way.  Well done Bristol –  I hope everyone has a wonderful time.” – Mary Prior,  Lord Lieutenant of Bristol.

Reference: http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/home/-/journal_content/56/10171/3580977/NEWS-TEMPLATE

Posters and Puzzles.

Print these download-able posters and then use the finished colouring posters to make cards, banners or put them on the wall to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

A Patriotic Noisy Little Monkey  Download here

The Matthew of Bristol
Download here.

The Union Jack Flag
Download here.

Guards at Buckingham Palace – Available to download from ActivityVillage

Diamond Jubilee word search and puzzles - Available from here.

 Bunting, Cakes and Crowns.

Head over to the The Big Lunch website for great resources on how to make your own bunting and paper chains.

Choose your design from First Palette then colour in and create your own crown.

Make your own Jubilee cake flags

Judging by the packed house at The Wills Memorial Building, most of the audience knew something I didn’t. Sir David is not only a leading authority on royalty (all of it, not just the British version) but an enthralling speaker and hugely funny.

After thinking my evening was going to be full of dusty academic nonsense, it turned out to be a cracker. I should have dropped my skeptic attitude earlier.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol Enjoying the mini fish and chips on offer.

There’s lots of amazing stuff happening in Bristol for the Jubilee and (unless you’re going to live for another 60 years) we may not get another opportunity like this  to learn something / have a good knees up / get crazy patriotic. So, dive in. The water’s lovely.

If you were unable to attend, the lecture is now available to download.

If you’ve walked by the College Green in Bristol recently, you may have noticed the statue of Queen Victoria has been covered with scaffolding. The reason being in honour of the June Jubilee celebrations, Queen Victoria’s statue has been restored and cleaned back to her former glory.
Queen Victoria was 78 when she celebrated her 60 year reign and is the only other British monarch to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee celebration. Although elderly in appearance with limited mobility, she attended and presided over large and varied national events. Francis Greenacre, author, lecturer and former historian provides an insight as to what the celebrations were like in Bristol during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

In 1897 Bristol’s parades, parties, concerts, decorations, illuminations, fireworks and enormous bonfires surpassed even the fifty-year Golden Jubilee celebrations ten years earlier. This time, for example, the “illumination of the Clifton Suspension Bridge with 3,000 lamps was especially admired”. In 1887 the statue of ‘Victoria, Queen and Empress’ had been commissioned and, today, Queen Victoria still looks imperiously from College Green towards the centre of the city. But in 1897 a vastly more costly commemoration was agreed – the building of a substantial convalescent home.

The fine kidney-coloured brick building, now offices, is on Redland Hill at the top of Whiteladies Road. The Queen herself made her first formal visit to Bristol for 70 years in 1899 in order to open this home, the Queen Victoria Jubilee Convalescent Home. The decorations along the circular route from the train station to the Downs and back far surpassed any celebrations in Bristol’s history. One extraordinary event suggests the scale of the city’s reception. When the Queen’s carriage reached the top of Belgrave Road beside the Downs, the procession paused a few minutes to hear ’26,000 children from elementary and endowed schools and the Ashley Down orphanages’ sing the National Anthem. Her Majesty, it is recorded, “manifested feelings of deep emotion”. No wonder!

What you’ll need;

Ingredients:

- 250g plain flour
- Pinch of salt
- 100g cubed butter
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
- Strawberry jam (or any fruit jam you have. I used blueberry jam as well strawberry and it was just popular) or lemon curd.

Preheat the oven to180°C and lightly grease a 12 cupcake tin with a little butter.

For the pastry;

Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean bowl.

Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, working as quickly as possible to prevent the dough becoming warm.

Add the water to the mixture and using a cold knife stir until the dough binds together, add more cold water a teaspoon at a time if the mixture is too dry.

Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.

The dough can also be made in a food processor by mixing the flour, butter and salt in the bowl of the processor on a pulse setting. When the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, add the water, slowly, through the funnel until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap in Cling film and chill as above.

Once chilled;

Unwrap the pastry onto a lightly floured work surface and roll roughly to a 0.5cm thickness. Using a tart cutter, cut circles from the pastry just slightly bigger than the holes in the prepared tart mould. Gently press one disc into each hole.

Place a heaped teaspoon of jam or lemon curd into the pastry lined tins.

Repeat until all the pastry is used up – you can squish the pastry trimmings back together and reroll several times, so don’t worry, just make sure you rest the pastry circles before cooking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 mins or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks;

 - Be careful not to overfill the cases as the jam will spill out when hot and burn/stick to the tin (as I found out on my first attempt)
If they’re looking a little empty, add a little jam towards the end or just after they’ve been taking out of the oven.

- For alternative fillings try adding Nutella, peanut butter,  different flavoured jams or experiment with cheese.

- If you don’t have a cutter use a large glass and pinch the edges once in the tin.

- They are great for British  or even Alice in Wonderland theme parties. Just add heart shaped pastry to the top and you have Queen of Hearts, Jam Tarts.

- And lastly do not eat while hot or you may burn your your mouth, (the jam stays hot for a long time).

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