A group of residents who supported each other through the pandemic have come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The sun was shining over Angusfield Avenue today as more than half the street gathered to toast the Queen’s 70 years.
During the first week of lockdown in March 2020, a WhatsApp group was created for the residents to look out for each other and offer support to anyone who needed it.
One of the organisers, Carolyn Diack, said the group chat became a vital social line for many and brought everyone together as a community.
Today’s street party marks the first time the residents are gathering in person with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee offering the perfect opportunity for a celebration.
She said: “It’s just great to see everyone together and how well everyone from young to old is mixing, it’s been very natural.
“And we’ve been able to welcome some new people. I hope it keeps building the community spirit.
“Today has been a real group effort with people bringing out the picnic tables and chairs, as well as the food and drink.
“It has definitely surpassed expectations.”
‘It’s wonderful’
Angusfield Place was closed off for the day with residents of all ages filling the area with tables and chairs, as well as music playing and lots of fun activities for the kids.
Gazebos donned with bunting were set up so party-goers could enjoy the BBQ or a drink to toast the Queen.
One of the attendees who has lived on the street the longest is Edith Sutherland, who is in her 90s.
She has lived at Angusfield Avenue for more than 40 years but said this is the first time a Jubilee street party has been held.
“It’s been organised beautifully,” she said. “It’s nice to see all of the neighbours out and the children running around.
“Everyone is very friendly and have been checking in on me. It’s wonderful.”
Alex Main, who has lived on the street for the past 35 years, also joined in the fun.
The former Gordonstoun pupil shared that he attended the Queen’s first proclamation event in Elgin in 1952 as part of a school trip.
‘A sense of community’
One of the newer additions to the street is Jenna Thomson who moved in around six months ago.
She said being part of the WhatsApp group alongside others who moved in around the same time made “a big difference”.
“It’s great to bring the community together as we don’t see each other day to day. There’s now 51 people in the group , which started out for organising the clapping for carers and helping out with food.
“They always said there would be a party at the end.”
Fellow resident Liam shared that the group chat had helped create a sense of community which has evolved over the past two years.
He added: “Lots of people here are meeting for the first time. It’s been great to put names to faces.”
Conversation