Coronation: Andover residents celebrate with street party

Food, drink, games and a 'seven a crown' competition made for a spectacular occasion, bringing an entire community together.

Jan Bullock, event organiser, said: "It's absolutely brilliant, and the weather is a lot better compared to yesterday.

"I think there are more here than there were for the Queen's Jubilee last year which is great to see."

Her husband, Martyn Bullock said: "Everybody in the street contributed today."

"I've lived here for 63 years, there's been a lot of change."

At 89 years old, Martyn's father, Ron, is the oldest resident of Farrs Avenue.

He has lived in the street since 1956, and told the Advertiser: "When I first moved here I was courting a girl up the road, we got married a few years later and had two sons and a daughter.

"I've seen people come and go, it's hard to keep track of who lives here, but it is nice to see everyone today."

The newest addition to the street is three-month-old Ned, pictured above alongside his mother Robyn Tobutt, and Ron.

Janet Evans has lived in the street for 45 years with her husband Terry.

Janet said: "It's a lovely party, I helped do all the sandwiches, it's a good job we threw it today and not yesterday because the weather was horrible then."

Terry Evans was enjoying a chat with Jeff 'The Ref' Raymond.

Both come from a sporting background, with Terry formerly playing for Andover New Street, and Jeff opening the innings as well as wicketkeeping for Wherwell back in the day, he even once refereed a Wolverhampton Wanderers match at Wembley.

Terry said: "It's been a fantastic party, they've faded out lately unless it's a special occasion, we should throw them more often."

Jeff said: "The weather is a lot better than yesterday, it's been nice."

A children's crown competition was held, with the winner pictured above in the centre.

Two more residents, mother and daughter Emily and Molly spoke to the Advertiser.

Molly had mixed feelings about the Coronation ceremony, she said: "I enjoyed some of it, I liked looking at the carriages."

Mother Emily said: "It was history in the making, it will be good to tell the grandchildren one day."

Their family members Andrew and Lindsay said: "It's wicked seeing everyone out here together and children playing."

"There is a real sense of community."

Barri Hicks told the Advertiser: "It's something no country does better, it makes you proud to be British."

Steve Lincoln said: "It's good when we can do this, we need to give credit to the few people who do the hard work putting these events on for us."

Fiona Marchment said: "It's absolutely lovely getting everyone together like this."

Liz Burd added: "We absolutely loved the Coronation, we had our whole family gathered round the telly like they did back in 1953."

One other resident, who wished to remain anonymous, summed up the part in one sentence, they said: "It's unity in the community."

Did you attend a street party? Let us know in the comments.