DIAMOND JUBILEE
Party fever unites communities

PATRIOTIC residents in seven Droitwich streets toasted HM the Queen’s 60th year as head of state with parties to celebrate the landmark occasion.

Residents in Clifford Road on The Ridings took to the street on Tuesday (June 5) for an afternoon of fun and games for young and old alike.

More than 70 residents ignored the bad weather to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time with their neighbours to celebrate

the Diamond Jubilee.

The rain failed to dampen their enthusiasm for the party food on offer as well as well as children's games and face-painting.

All of the youngsters took home an extra special memento as the party bags included a commemorative £5 coin which has been specially produced by the Royal Mint to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Organiser Katie Whitehead said: "The rain actually brought us closer and the house we based a lot of the activities in agreed to house us all which was lovely.

"It was absolutely brilliantly organised by Marion and Jill and the committee and residents who chipped in when they could.

"We haven't thought about what our next event would be but we would definitely do it all again," she added.

Community-spirited residents in Victoria Avenue, Leycroft and Penrice Road braved the cool conditions on Sunday (June 3) for their own street parties while residents in St Mary's Road took to the street on Bank Holiday Monday (June 4).

As well as Clifford Road, residents in Broadheath Close and Bagehott Road also held street parties on Tuesday (June 5) to mark the culmination of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Organiser Karen Bishop, said: "I want to thank all the residents of Broadheath Close, it was a wonderful experience in the true essence of what Her Majesty wanted the celebrations to create.

"The party brought all the residents of our small cul de sac together for the very first time, with many new friendships forming," she added.

Despite the rain and cool temperatures, residents had a great afternoon and enjoyed a barbecue, Royal quiz, tombola and their own version of the 'British Bake Off' which was judged by Broadheath Close's oldest resident.

Thanks to donations, the kind-hearted residents managed to raise £40 for St Richard's Hospice and even managed a game of cricket when the rain eased off.

"I am so glad we decided to organise it, and would encourage other residents to consider holding a barbecue in the summer or something similar to bring your street together.

"Believe me it will be worth the effort, and makes you proud to be British," Karen added.

Buy photos» Alison and Lauren Whiteman. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2312030MMR2

Buy photos» The residents of Clifford Road enjoy the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2312030MMR3 Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

Buy photos» Julie and Richard Hardy with Steve Appleton and Anne Woodbridge. 2312030MMR4. buyphotos247.com

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