THE Queen received a scroll containing the congratulations of Southampton people to mark her Silver Jubilee year.

Various events took place throughout Hampshire during 1977, including a Grand Jubilee Fair in Eastleigh and Southampton's Jubilee parade. Hants and Dorset Buses drove a specially-decorated vehicle round Southampton and street parties were held across the city.

The Solent was full of colour when more than 200 yachts set off for a series of races to France, the main event being the Queen's Jubilee Race to Deauville.

A film of the coronation was also shown at the Mountbatten Theatre in East Park Terrace throughout the week of the Jubilee.

Other events included the Queen and Prince Phillip sailing from Southampton in Royal Yacht Britannia on a west coast voyage.

Britannia came up Southampton water after Cowes Week in August, where the Queen and Prince Phillip boarded the vessel in the Western Docks.

It was a royal day for nine soldiers from the Royal Hampshire Regiment and their wives when they were invited to attend the Queen's garden party in Northern Ireland.

The "Tigers" were also asked by Buckingham Palace to organise the lunch and wine service for the Queen during her visit to the university.

More than ten Hampshire youth organisations took part in a "Salute to the Queen" parade and march at Buckingham Palace. Among those taking part in the event were the 1st and 2nd Eastleigh Boys' Brigade, the Romsey Majorettes, the 14th Eastleigh Drum Majorettes and the Eastleigh Twirlettes.

There were two surprise presents for the Queen when she attended the Advent Carol Service at Romsey Abbey in December.

As she was greeted by the Vicar of Romsey, the Rev David Shearlocks, 12-year-old Jamie Gill, of Chambers Avenue, Romsey, presented her with a photograph showing him lying in bed wearing his Silver Jubilee socks.

The royal couple arrived at the Abbey with Lord Mountbatten, their weekend host at Broadlands.

As the Queen left the church she was presented with a posy of dried flowers by six-year-old Wendy Gould, of Shootash, near Romsey.