Wimbledon Marks The Queen's Jubilee

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Dozens of street parties across the borough

Thousands of people in and around Wimbledon showed their support for events celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

There were at least 67 street parties across Merton, including this one in Sunnyside Place, Wimbledon:

Around 70 people attended the Sunnyside event on Saturday (June 2). As well as a spread of food and drink, with a toast from Paddy Sandford-Johnson, it included a royal magical illusion provided by Richard Gill (founder of the Polka Theatre) - see picture below.

Residents there have Paddy and Wendy Sandford-Johnson to thank for suggesting the Big Lunch event, as well as Wimbledon Village club for loaning tables and chairs. Paddy and Wendy are pictured below with Jeremy Horner. The picture on the right shows neighours Chris, Wendy, Gill, Sheila, and behind Richard, Lucinda, Bertie, Sarah and Karen.

Elsehwere during the weekend, a Diamond Jubilee Service at St Mary’s Church, Wimbledon was led by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Williams on Sunday (June 3).

The event was attended by the Queen's representative in Merton, The Rt Hon Sir John Wheeler, Merton councillors and many community groups and organisations, underlining the theme of 'Service to the Community'.

Merton's Diamond Jubilee Beacon event on Monday (June 4) saw a thousand people turn up at Morden Park to see the Beacon lit by the Mayor.

Merton's Beacon was one of 4,000 being lit across the country to mark the special occasion. The successful event also included a fun fair and a live show by the Bikini Beach Band.

The Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Bowcott also attended 28 street parties between them. A total of 67 street parties were held in the borough over the weekend, as well as many other parties that did not need a street closure.

Residents in a Wimbledon Chase street held a party on Tuesday (June 5) which re-created a Coronation street party from 1953. Click here to see the fun they had at their event.

Mitcham Carnival took place at the Three Kings Piece on Saturday with 8,000 people attending to see some of the many performances on show including jousting stunt team, the Knights of the Damned.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Williams said: “I am very proud to have taken part in the Diamond Jubilee activities. It was great to see such a spirit of community and so many people engaged in celebrating this historic occasion.”

After a congratulatory message was sent to the Queen on behalf of the Council, the Mayor last week received a reply from Buckingham Palace, including a message from Her Majesty, wishing Merton a most memorable and enjoyable Diamond Jubilee Year.

Did you enjoy the celebrations? Why not comment on our forum?

June 8, 2012