Royal knees-ups down the years
Reporter: Karen Doherty and Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 28 April 2011
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton’s wedding is a chance for people to dig out the bunting and dust off the Union flags.
And these pictures show that patriotic Oldhamers have always been keen to have a right royal celebration.
George VI’s 1937 coronation, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday in 1980 and Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981 are just some of the occasions which have been marked with street parties.
Great-grandmother-of-two June Bardsley has happy memories of the latter.
The 81-year-old has lived in Eldon Street, Oldham, for about 30 years and was photographed on the day.
Watching
She said: “I remember the street party was halfway down the road.
“I watched Charles and Diana get married in 1981 and I shall be watching Prince William and Kate get married tomorrow.
“There isn’t anything organised for Eldon Street residents but I shall enjoy watching the wedding on television.”
Margaret Whitehead (63), has lived in Sherwood Way, High Crompton, for 43 years and the grandmother-of-three remembers the 1981 street party well.
She was snapped enjoying the festivities with daughter Melanie who was five at the time and said: “It was fantastic, there was bunting across the street and everyone was out.
“All the neighbours had moved in together and had children at the same time so there was lot of kids and community atmosphere.
“There was food served out of two of the garages, sack races across the lawns and a fancy dress competition which Melanie won wearing a cardboard cape and crown featuring pictures of Charles and Diana.”
Mum-of-three Kelly Fetch is a more recent neighbour and added: “Although there is nothing going on as a street for the wedding, I’ll be having a small party on our front lawn with my neighbour for our children.
“I’ll definitely be watching the wedding on television.”
Jenny Daubney (61) has lived in The Sycamores, Lees, for 40 years and organised a street party in 1981 with a neighbour.
Son Glen, now 39, was photographed enjoying the fun and she said: “We had sports down on the field for the children then we had all the square set out with tables and served food.
“It was really good. Each of the neighbours contributed £20, which was a lot of money then, but that was for all the family and we did all the food.” One resident of Massey Avenue, Failsworth, also remembers the street party there to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. She said: “The whole avenue was involved. There were things for the children during the day then at night we had things for the parents. We also had a street party in 1981 for Charles and Diana’s wedding.”
