WE’VE FORMED NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Vivienne Strudwick, 59, Eastbourne
Standing on my front doorstep with my husband Michael, 58, I was overcome with emotion. It was lockdown, and the whole street had come outside to clap for carers.
The next day, catching up with my friends and neighbours Belinda and Kirsty, a thought occurred to me.
‘We should all get together more,’ I said. ‘It’ll help raise people’s spirits.’
‘That’s a great idea,’ Belinda said.
We had our first big socially distanced street party on VE Day in 2020.
Everyone stuck to their front gardens, but it was lovely to see people coming out and getting involved.
After that, Belinda, Kirsty and I started organising more and more.
‘We’re the Lockdown Ladies,’ I joked.
We held a British bake off to raise money for charity, outdoor bingo sessions, sausages and sparklers for the kids on fireworks night, and a DJ who lives on the street would bring out his decks on Saturday afternoon for everyone to have a boogie.
It brought the whole cul-de-sac together, and gave us something fun to focus on during a miserable time.
Then I saw an advert for the Big Jubilee Lunch.
‘This is perfect for us,’ I said to Belinda and Kirsty.
I remember going to London in 1977 to watch a Silver Jubilee procession – if anyone brings people together, it’s the Queen.
Since lockdown, we’ve had a lot to celebrate on the street – my 60th is coming up this year, and we’ve had other milestone birthdays, weddings and new babies.
As we raise a glass to the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, we’ll be raising a glass to the whole street, too!
We’re planning to line the street with trestle tables, and everyone will bring a dish to share – and everything will be decked out in patriotic red, white and blue, complete with
Royal bunting.
We’ll have a pop-up fizz bar and a crown making competition for the kids.
Two years ago, I wouldn’t have known everyone’s names – but events like the Big Lunch have helped us form friendships on the street, and it’s lovely seeing the older people and the youngsters chatting together and having fun.
I love the Royals and what they bring to this country – it’s worth celebrating.
Royals and street parties go hand in hand, and it’s lovely to feel part of something special.
We’ll raise a glass!