Sunday 5th we had our street party! Obviously due to covid last year was no go but this year we were able to have a street do. In some ways was scaled back to usual due to wanting to get in before weather really changes and getting the approval process and application from council. So was put together in about 5 weeks. Despite some of the usual bits missing or unable to book as not available we had a great time.
Was good to connect with old and some new neighbours and eat chat and generally have fun. We always do a raffle and local businesses often donate some great prizes from meals and haircuts to usually lots of chocolate and wine and all-sorts as prizes. Waiting to hear final figure put we raised over £200 to be split between 2 local charities. So considering was put together quick and missed some of our usual attractions we had a great afternoon and the weather was in our favour.
Had a quiz too which I was involved in writing this time so we had a mix of all-sorts from TV to history and geography, etc. Winning team then won a prize and was quite a close call on winning team and runner ups.
The cake competition was well baked and again worthy winners.
I have heard already of rumours of next year's and potential dates being looked at. So was a great day for all a chance to connect and chat and meet new folk in the street. I love our little community here and we a mixed bunch who there for each other without living in each others pockets. I expect the Christmas raffle be starting at some point and for now subject to weather our little bingo is doing well. 🙂
Sounds like Platinum Parties may be the theme then to go for next year? I feel a project coming on - no quick need to lie down in a dark room as I have too many going on at the moment
You never know Brenda maybe a word round some neighbours might plant the seed and then it grows into some event and being platinum jubilee is great reason too for all to get together. I guess we lucky in being able to close the street being a side road but is a busy road daily and folk obliged by not parking or coming down. We ensured was adequate space at top for cars to turn. Of course we made sure in setting up was space for emergency vehicles to gain swift access and also carers that visit couple of residents in road.
I think we are lucky to have folk like we do round here as we just get on with each other and is rarely a bad word. But we all respect at times maybe need space for some reason or space for parking if special event or anything given parking like many places is a premium. So we work as a community from all walks of life. I know a recent couple bought their house partly because they said seemed nice area and admired the art work that had been made and displayed on walls or fences. It was in Oxford mail year or so back of the mystery artist and pics of their work. Of course we all know who did the talented work!
I do remember the street party when I was a youngster in our close on Wood Farm and how we had a great time. People were polite and even ate my mum's homemade cakes which were often a creation in themselves! Mum was not a fabulous cook but did her best bless her! 🙂
Great to read about your party and how it is helping the community spirit. Good that you are already looking forward to next year (and you too Anthony). The road I live in is a long one and includes blocks of flats. The last street party we had involved three blocks of terraced houses in the street and we held it on a piece of grass in front of the blocks. It was on the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee in 1977.
Now the grass is made into parking bays Of the original 18 houses only two are occupied by people who lived here then. Many are privately owned and only three have young children. So I am not expecting to see bunting and decorated houses as in 1977 but I do hope many will be celebrating like you Dave. Well done and good luck for the planning!!
Well done Dave, sounds like you all had a good time, I am currently in conversations with our residents about holding a party in our newly refurbished communal area in 2022 to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee.