The four-day holiday weekend is halfway through, but there seems to be no delay for residents celebrating the Queen’s platinum anniversary.
The flags were flown, the bunting was glued, and there was plenty of food in many of the communities that organized street parties in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole on Saturday.
Along with the pockets of jubilee festivities in localized closed roads, larger events continued to attract large numbers.
Druitt Gardens in Christchurch hosted a children’s anniversary tea party, which provided 200 free lunch bags.
Dominic Wallace, event manager, said: “It’s so wonderful because it’s one of the first events I’ve had in a while, his first event at Christchurch BID and one of the first at Druitt Hall and Gardens in a long time.
“It’s happening a lot and we’re really happy. Everyone was really proactive, everyone wants to come. ”
Across the Stur River, residents flocked to the Southbourne Jubilee Celebrations on the green spot of Fisherman’s Walk, which featured music, stalls and a 1950s theme.
Organizer Heather Drake, who works at Margery Dawn, told the Daily Echo: “The anniversary is very special, I feel very privileged and that’s why I’m exposing myself even more, because we won’t get this again in our lives.
“It was good to bring everyone together, especially in the times we had. It’s great to see the smiles on people’s faces. “People are having a good time, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Meon Road hosted a street party for about 40 residents, the oldest being 85-year-old Mary, who opened the rostrum with the local vicar.
The grass of the bowling alley hosted tug-of-war and gadgets in the afternoon sun.
Resident Penny: “We did one on the anniversary 10 years ago, then we had a big street party, I didn’t organize it, but everyone came together, it was wonderful to be with the community and our neighbors, from all the walks of life.”
Dozens of residents gathered on Haverstock Road, Bournemouth, for an afternoon full of food, drink and good company.
The street party, believed to be the first in a long time, if not on the road, was led by Phil Haley.
Residents of Haverstock Road, Bournemouth, at a street party
He said: “People have helped each other so much in the last two years. Now we can organize something like this, I just thought about doing it.
“British summer is the best. We were lucky with the time. It’s great to see everyone outside and do things we haven’t been able to do in the last few years. ”
A stunning selection of cakes was offered to the residents of Petit Road, Moordown.
Victoria Jackson told the Daily Echo: “We are really grateful that everyone succeeded today and the weather was great, but it all came together.
“We are already very close. We all support each other and it’s great to be together today. ”
Wicks Hayward said: “It’s gorgeous. It’s really nice to close the road and let the little ones run and have fun.
Wicks Hayward baked a special trifle for the street party on Petit Road
“It’s a once in a lifetime for everyone and it’s a wonderful day.”
Just a short walk from the residents of Valette Road there was another exquisite selection of sweet treats and bites at many tables in the middle of the street.
Organizers Sue Matthews and Naomi Bennett applied to close the road a few months ago, but received the green light from the council just two weeks ago.
Despite the short deadline, they managed to organize a big event with the help of their neighbors.
“Everyone on the road came out for it,” Sue said. “It was absolutely fantastic. This will make my list of Christmas cards much bigger this year. Thank you, Queen Elizabeth, for allowing us to do so.
“I think we will definitely do it again.”
Naomi added: “I think the queen is amazing. She’s been there all our lives. ”
Cheers to Valette Road for their street party
The aptly named Sandringham Road in Parkstone also hosted a street party.
Jake Willis was cooking a storm on the barbecue while there was a lot of fun for the younger residents.
Rea Trigs, who runs the street party, told the Daily Echo: “It’s just wonderful to bring everyone together after such a long time when we were separated and get the neighbors who have recently moved here.
“There are hundreds of closed streets in the area, so it’s great to be a part of it and join.”
Dozens of residents joined in with food and drinks at the Marina Drive in Poole, with an impressive range of tables.
Emma and Vicki Lee, who organized the street party, said, “It’s so much fun, the food is amazing.”
Adastral Square in Canford Heath hosted a special free holiday event that attracted large crowds.
Small businesses and charities occupied a number of stalls, including overseers raising funds for the preservation and conservation of Canford Heath, while there were many fun activities for children such as a bouncy castle and tables for arts and crafts.
Cllr Sandra Moore said: “The turnout was great. We were a little worried about the weather, but the sun rose and everyone else came out and looked like they were having fun. ”
Pool Mayor Tony Trent said: “I’m really impressed.
“The Canford Heath took all the stops. We have a really brilliant event.”
Branksom Recreation Ground was the site of Parkstone’s Big Jubilee Picnic with live music, entertainment and a wide range of activities for the whole family.
Parkstone’s big anniversary picnic at Branksom Recreation Area
There were also strong numbers for street parties at Sheringham Road, Torbay Road and Cranbourne Crescent.
The anniversary weekend should end with a busy day of events and street parties in the agglomeration on Sunday, June 5.
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