Reviving Jubilee spirit

FLASHBACK to 1977 and Silver Jubilee celebrations in Dorchester Drive, Royton

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THE fizzy pop was at the ready, bright, colourful bunting was strung across the streets and long tables were laden with delicious treats — it could only be the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

The year was 1977 and all across the country, Brits threw on their costumes and tucked into celebration cakes as neighbours came together in one huge celebration.

Nowadays, frantic working weeks have all but pushed neighbourly get-togethers on to the back burner and many of us don’t even speak to the people who live side by side with us.

But that cheerful bunting was back with a bang at the weekend, as Oldhamers across the borough resurrected that lost community spirit in a series of street lunches.

The celebrations, which included sports day races, fun-packed games and lots of food and drink, were all part of the big lunch, a national initiative by the Eden Project to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.

And Oldhamers couldn’t wait to get involved, with events in Glodwick, Oldham Edge and Chadderton, proving that community spirit is still well and truly alive in 2009.