Local news

Over a year ago AHFD had the idea to hold a town party in Summer 2021 to let everyone celebrate the end of Covid – well we know that Covid had other ideas about that! So, we looked ahead and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee seemed like a good date to aim for.  When the national plans were announced for the Jubilee we arranged a meeting of other local groups interested in getting involved.

Duns Summer Festival took on the beacon lighting – and thanks to them for a very well organised Thursday night up Duns Law and the amazing beacon that Duns now has.

AHFD built on the town party idea and the Plantinum Picnic was born – thanks to Duns Rugby Club for the use of their pitch.  Thanks to Friends of Duns Primary School for coming on board and organising the kids’ games and races.  The three bands were all fantastic.  Just a pity the weather couldn’t have been just a few degrees warmer.

The town traders were looking for a chance to try a farmers’ market in Duns.  Combining it with the Big Jubilee Lunch worked a treat – thanks to Luke Searcy for getting this organised.

Over the whole weekend it has been lovely to see so many people, of all ages, out and about and enjoying themselves.  We really had no idea how many, if any, would come along so thank you to you the people of Duns for your support – and for not bringing any glass to the rugby pitches!!

Many others have been involved in getting these events ready – in particular The Rotary Club of Duns for providing stewarding and car parking services.  Robert Lamont deserves a special mention as he managed to, inadvertently, be instrumental in the smooth running of all three events.  Duns Pipe Band, Slaters funfair, Redpath Tools for the toilets, Treats and Sweets for the ice cream van, Farne Salmon for the canapes – you have all helped to make the weekend the success it’s been.  Thanks to SBC for the funding that has helped us to put on these events.

 Were bound to have missed someone out – and if we have, we’re very sorry. We hope you have managed to join in with something over the past weekend, and we guess final thanks should go to the Queen – we wouldn’t have been able to turn it into a four day party if it wasn’t for Her Majesty the Queen!