Jubilee Commemorative coin

 The Council has approved a plan to issue a Diamond Jubilee commemorative coin to every primary school pupil in Saddleworth.  The Diamond Jubilee takes place in June 2012, marking 60 years of The Queen’s reign.  Saddleworth Parish Councillors had given thought to lighting a bonfire to celebrate the event. However, as the bonfire would only last for a relatively short time the idea was rejected with the Councillors wanting to commemorate the event with something of a permanent nature.

Cllr Bill Cullen, Chairman of the Parish Council said “Commemorative souvenirs have long been a popular way of celebrating such Royal events. To mark 60 years of The Queen's reign we will present a commemorative coin to every pupil enrolled in a Saddlewoth primary schools on the day of the celebrations. The idea is to give each pupil a fitting tribute and an historic souvenir to remember the occasion”.

The commemorative coins are made of platinum coloured metal, housed in a high quality folder. The portrait of Her Majesty is featured on the face of the commemorative coin; the design is approved by Buckingham Palace. The reverse side of the commemorative coin will feature the Saddleworth Parish Council emblem.

The commemorative coin folder presents a brief history of the Queen's reign from 1952 to 2012, and a formal picture of HM Queen Victoria - the only other monarch in British history to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee!  There are several old coin images together with a previously unpublished photograph of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The commemorative coin and its folder offer aninteresting memento and an historic keepsake.

The commemorative coins will be presented by the Parish Council Chairman to the pupils during the celebration week.