THE four-day bank holiday weekend raced through the halfway mark but there appears to be no slowing down for residents celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Flags were out, the bunting was taped up and there was an abundance of food across many of the communities which had organised street parties in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on Saturday.
Alongside the pockets of jubilee merriment inside localised road closures, larger events continued to draw bumper numbers.
Druitt Gardens in Christchurch hosted a children’s jubilee tea party where 200 free lunch bags were provided.
Dominique Wallace, event manager, said: “It’s just so lovely because it’s one of the first events that I’ve run for a while, its Christchurch BID’s first event and one of the first in Druitt Hall and Gardens for a long time.
“There’s a lot going on and we’re really pleased. Everyone’s been really proactive, everyone’s wanted to come along.”
Across the River Stour, residents flocked to the Southbourne Jubilee Celebrations event on the green at Fisherman’s Walk where there was music, stalls and a 1950s theme.
Organiser Heather Drake, who works at Margery Dawn, told the Daily Echo: “The jubilee is very special, I feel very privileged and that’s why I put myself out even more so because we won’t get this again in our lifetime.
“It’s been nice to bring everyone together, especially in the times we’ve had. It’s great to see the smiles on people’s faces. People are having a good time and that is what it’s about really.”
Meon Road hosted a street party for around 40 residents, the eldest being Mary, aged 85, who opened the garther along with the local vicar.
The grass on the bowling green hosted a tug of war and rounders in the afternoon sun.
Resident Penny: “We did one on the jubilee 10 years ago, we did a big street party then as well, I didn't organise that but everybody’s pulled together, it's been lovely to be with the community and our neighbours, from all walks of life.”
Scores of residents came together in Haverstock Road, Bournemouth, for an afternoon packed with food, drink and good company.
The street party, which is believed to be the first in a very long time if not ever in the road, was headed up by Phil Haley.
He said: “For the past two years people have been helping each other so much. Now we can organise something like this I just thought let’s do it.
“It is British summer at its best. We have been lucky with the weather. It is great to see everyone out and doing stuff we haven’t been able to do for the past couple of years.”
A stunning selection of cakes were on offer for the residents of Petit Road, Moordown.
Victoria Jackson told the Daily Echo: “We are really thankful that everyone could make it today and the weather has been lovely but it has all come together.
“We are a very close road anyway. We all support it each other and it is great to be together today."
Vix Hayward said: “It is lush. It is really nice to shut the road and for the little ones to be able to run around and have fun.
"It is once in a lifetime for everyone and it is a beautiful day.”
Just a short walk away residents in Valette Road there was another fine selection sweet treats and nibbles on offer across multiple tables down the middle of the street.
Organisers Sue Matthews and Naomi Bennett applied for the road closure several months ago but only got the green light from the council two weeks ago.
Despite the tight timescale, they were able to put on quite an event with the help from their neighbours.
“Everyone in the road has come out for it,” Sue said. “It has been absolutely fantastic. It is going to make my Christmas card list a lot bigger this year. Thank you, Queen Elizabeth, for letting us do it.
“I think we will definitely be doing it again.”
Naomi added: “I think the Queen is amazing. She’s been there for all of our lives.”
The fittingly name Sandringham Road in Parkstone also hosted a street party.
Jake Willis was cooking up a storm on the barbecue while there was plenty of fun for the younger residents.
Rea Triggs, who led the organising for the street party, told the Daily Echo: “It is just lovely to bring everyone together after such a long time being apart and getting the neighbours who have recently moved here.
“There are hundreds of street closures in the area so it is great to be part of that and join in.”
Dozens of residents pitched in with food and drink at Marina Drive in Poole, with an impressive assortment on the tables.
Emma and Vicki Leigh, who organised the street party, said: “It’s so much fun, the food is amazing.”
Adastral Square in Canford Heath hosted a special free celebration event which attracted big crowds.
Small businesses and charitable organisations occupied a range of stalls, including heath wardens raising funds to for the protection and conservation of Canford Heath, while there was a lot of fun activities for children such as a bouncy castle and arts and crafts tables.
Cllr Sandra Moore said: “The turnout has been great. We were a bit worried about the weather but the sun has come out and everybody else has come out and looks as though they’re having fun.”
Mayor of Poole Tony Trent said: “I’m really impressed.
"Canford Heath has pulled out all the stops. We’ve got a really brilliant event.”
Branksome Recreation Ground was the site of Parkstone's Big Jubilee Picnic with live music, entertainment and a wide range of activities for all the family.
Strong numbers also turned out for street parties in Sheringham Road, Torbay Road and Cranbourne Crescent.
The jubilee weekend is set to end with a packed-out day of events and streets parties across the conurbation on Sunday, June 5.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel