VILLAGERS in Holbrook took part in a ceremonial presentation of the reed to commemorate the Queen's golden jubilee.The reed is annually offered as a peppercorn rent for the use of the Reade field on behalf of the village community.

VILLAGERS in Holbrook took part in a ceremonial presentation of the reed to commemorate the Queen's golden jubilee.

The reed is annually offered as a peppercorn rent for the use of the Reade field on behalf of the village community.

The ceremonial presentation of the reed took place last Sunday in adverse weather conditions and was presented to the headmaster of the Royal Hospital School.

The school receive the reed on behalf of the boarding school's parent charity, Greenwich Hospital, who agree to lease the field to the village.

The presentation of the reed dates back to 1968, and was initially witnessed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Reade field was named after the wealthy merchant shipper, Gifford Sherman Reade, who in 1921, bequeathed his estate to the trustees of Greenwich Hospital. Through his generosity, the boarding school was able to move from Greenwich, London, to its present impressive site on the banks of the river Stour at Holbrook.

The event commenced with a hog roast and saw the boarding school's talented marching band perform various pieces of music, including one appropriately named Holbrook, which was played on the way to Reade field.

The formal presentation of the reed was performed by the Holbrook Parish Council Chairwoman, Mrs Marion Leeson and was followed by RHS's Corps of Drums executing Beat the Retreat, together with their guard of honour, the traditional Sunset ceremony.