IT WAS in response to a plea from Prince Charles to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee that a pioneering activities centre for the disabled was built at Bursledon.

Since then, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre for the Disabled, in the Manor Farm Country Park, has opened up new horizons for many thousands of people.

Now, the man who was mayor of Eastleigh during Silver Jubilee year is hoping that the Queen's Golden Jubilee will be celebrated and commemorated locally in a tangible way.

Councillor Godfrey Olson says the Golden Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Turning his thoughts back 25 years, he said: "For the Silver Jubilee there were celebrations which brought people together in many ways.

"I remember during my mayoral year 1976/77 being asked by the lord lieutenant to respond to a request from the Prince of Wales to recognise the Silver Jubilee in a way that would benefit the community.

"As a result, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre, providing recreational facilities for people with special needs, was built and opened during that year by Princess Margaret. Many thousands of people have benefited as a result."

Now, Cllr Olson says it is a time to enjoy and pay respect to the Queen for her "impeccable" life-long service to the country and Commonwealth.

He said: "I think this country is fortunate to have a Royal Family and a democratic system which is envied throughout the world.

"The pageantry and ceremonial surrounding the monarchy is an important part of our heritage - no-one does it better than Great Britain. It is something that visitors from all over the world come to see and admire and Britain would be a duller place without it."

Cllr Olson added that after the recent deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, he hoped the Queen would have the support of the people of Britain and would feel able to enjoy "this very important year."

What parties are you planning to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee? Ring newsdesk on 023 8042 4519.