Lord Ilchester has not been unmindful of his tenantry and others who reside on his estates, in the festivities connected with the celebration of the Jubilee of the Queen. A few days ago he gave a sumptuous repast at Melbury Park, and on Tuesday at Abbotsbury, he provided a day’s pleasure and f easting, which will be remembered by old and young. His Lordship selected Coronation Day for the entertainment of the residents of Abbotsbury, where his Lordship and the Countess are so fond of residing.

The villagers were early astir and there were indications that they were bent upon having a real pleasurable day’s fun, frolic and entertainment. At 12o’clock a procession was started, headed by the Charmouth Artillery brass band, followed by the Foresters, many of them on horseback, in full regalia and carrying banners, the gay dresses of the Order adding much to the brilliant appearance of the pageant. Next can the Rev. W.C.K. Sylvester (curate), Mr. G. Downie (the Earl of Ilchester’s agent), accompanied by Mr. T. Cooper (Ilchester Arms), wearing their Masonic costume. Then followed the principal inhabitants. A perambulation of the village was made, the the Abbey barn was reached at one o’clock, and here a splendid dinner was awaiting their discussion (sic). The barn was splendidly decorated with flags, evergreens, &., and mottoes suitable to the occasion, by the Misses Mundy and Knight, and Messrs. Wingett, Mundy, Bendall (chief officer of the Coastguard), Dight, and others, workmen on the estate. In the unavoidable absence of the Earl of Ilchester, the chair was ably filled by Mr. H. Wells, his lordship’s steward, who was supported on his right and left by the principal tenants of the estate. Grace was said by the curate, The Rev. W.C.K. Sylvester, and the very numerous guests of his Lordship did most ample justice to the good things provided in abundance, at his Lordship’s special request by Mr. Trump of the Cross Keys, Bridport, who also provided the dinner at Melbury. The dinner was as well served as it was good, and at its conclusion, the Chairman proposed the toast of "Her Majesty", which was enthusiastically cheered. This was followed by the toast of "His Lordship and the Countess and Lord Stavordale", which was greeted with lusty cheers, again and again renewed.

Dinner over, the company adjourned to the field for sports and other amusements, which were greatly enjoyed. The Countess of Ilchester kindly doubled the money given in prizes for sports. At five o’clock tea was provided for the women and children, and at six the band the band played in the Abbey grounds until 9.30, previous to which, at eight o’clock, two balloons were sent off from the Chapel Hill by Mr. T. Cooper. At 9.30 a splendid display of fireworks was made by Mr. George Downie. The band, followed by the inhabitants, then proceeded to the centre of the village, opposite the school, where was seen a grand illumination of the Ilchester Hotel. The centre of the of the building was adorned with the Prince of Wales’ plume, brilliantly and tastefully decorated with coloured lamps, the blending of the colours being especially beautiful. Underneath we noticed a transparency picture of Her Majesty surrounded by the various arms and orders, &c., supplied by the well-known, decorator, Mrs. Case, of Weymouth, whose taste in these matters is too well known to be enlarged upon. Under all, again, could be seen on a red ground the letters "V.R." in gilt, and in the centre a massive gilt crown. Above this, and on either side, "V.R." in coloured lamps. The remaining portion of the west side of the hotel was literally covered with illuminations, lamps, Royal Arms, flags, &c. Over the entrance was seen a magnificent crown transparency, supplied by Stead and Co., of Brighton, Royal Pavilion illuminators, and decorators by special appointment to the International Gun and Polo Club. The east side of the building was also decorated with coloured lamps, and the motto of "Victoria," the work of Mrs. T. Cooper, was greatly admired. There was also the motto

"God Save our Queen," &c.

At 10.30 a display of fireworks was made by Mr. T. Cooper in the school ground opposite the hotel, the boys in his Sunday School class, in whom he takes a great interest, taking part in letting off the less dangerous pieces. The band then played "God Save the Queen", which was heartily and loyally taken up by the inhabitants, followed by cheers for the Queen, and three more for Lord and Lady Ilchester and Lord Stavordale, also for Mr George Downie, Mr. T. Cooper, and other who had given their services and taken part in rendering the day such as has never been before experienced in Abbotsbury and will probably never have its equal. The decorations of the village were general, and some of them exceedingly tasteful, the mottoes being appropriate to the occasion, among them "Long Life and Prosperity to Lord and Lady Ilchester" being very prominent. The Sports Committee were:- The rev. W. C. K. Sylvester, Messrs. James White, John N. Mundy, Adams, Ford, White, T. Cooper and G. Downie.

The day passed without a hitch of any kind, and when the good people of Abbotsbury retired to rest it must have been with the reflection that they had spent not only a pleasant but a thoroughly happy day. Mr. Downie, Lord Ilchester’s steward, was indefatigable in providing for the comfort of all, and much of the success which attended the festivities is due to his energetic and careful management. We may add that over 1,000 people were entertained during the day.