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Damp but undaunted. Catherine Street celebrates the Diamond Jubilee
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Jubilee bunting out again in Catherine Street

June 11, 2012

The same bunting that was used to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in Catherine Street, West Reading, 35 years ago was out again to mark the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

Gill Greenwood, 74, held her fifth street party on Tuesday to mark the Diamond Jubilee and, despite the rain, almost everyone came out to celebrate, with food, drink, a disco, bouncy castle and creatures from Owen’s Animals.

The tradition of street parties in the road goes back to 1945, when Mrs Greenwood was just seven, as neighbours celebrated VE day. Since then they have always held a community event to mark big occasions, from the Coronation to last year’s royal wedding.

The first one Mrs Greenwood ran with her husband was in 1977. She said: “It’s been hard work and the weather’s upsetting but everyone’s out and having fun – it's nice to see.

“I recently lost my husband but my son Steve has stepped into his place and he’s done a great job. We’ve got real community spirit and still have the original bunting from 1977.”

Steve Greenwood said: “We all muck in, the British. We know how to get on with it and make the most of it.”

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Most recent user comments 3 of 3

Yes, i know it's pedantic but 60th anniversary of coronation will be next year; this year is 60th anniversary of Liz becoming queen

Monkey, Greater Reading
12/06/2012 at 12:18

@Spanky

I think we should just leave it up all summer. Not for the Jubilee, not for the Olympics...

But because we could do with a little colour, especially on a day like this.