In Coronation week 1953, most Island streets were closed to traffic. The reason? Street parties.

Neighbours banded together to give children and adults an event to remember.

In many areas it went beyond providing food and drink, but also entertainment which carried on into the evening.

Without benefit of public address systems, microphones or canned music, pianos were wheeled outside to accompany the singing and dancing.

As for drink – the beer came straight from the barrel.

Yet with all this jollity there were few reports of riotous behaviour. Was it because we had more respect and appreciated being part of a caring community? Maybe it was the definite boundaries.

The best examples were Queenborough and Rushenden.

Residents of each area tended to a stay “separate” – even within Queenborough itself it was a case of High Streeters and Downtowners. The railway arch was the dividing line – so the Downtowners celebrated in the street or playing field.

The others had the broad sweep of High Street or seafront park.

From memory Stan Rayfield (owner of this picture) thinks this party was in the park.

The background of sheds and other buildings suggests otherwise, but it was a time before the former Abbot buildings had prominence.

We have no names for the children but suggest they were probably aged six to 12 – some younger, but in 56 years they will have aged significantly.

Do you remember this particular party?

Were you one of the young guests or did you help to organise the celebrations?

Better still, were you the recipient of a Coronation mug. Let us know. We’d like to hear from you.