OXFORD neighbourhoods closed their streets, to hold parties in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
For many, it was the first time they had seen neighbours in a social setting due to self-isolation and lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.
In Beech Croft Road, residents combined their jubilee street party with another anniversary celebration – for the Lady Nuffield Home, which is celebrating its 75th year of providing care to the elderly.
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Ed Pentz, of the Beech Croft Road Residents’ Association, said: “There’s been about 40 or 50 people throughout the day, and we’ve had all sorts of games.
“We do a street party every year, so this time we’ve been able to combine with the Platinum Jubilee.
“It’s been really nice to see everyone – we had a reduced numbers, smaller gathering last year when things weren’t fully open like now.
“This time, it feels like a sense of togetherness though, and it’s about coming together and having a bit of fun.”
By joining up with the Lady Nuffield Home, Beech Croft Road saw cake baking competitions, afternoon tea, and live music.
Peri-Ann Lively, activities manager at the care home, said: “It’s nice to have the residents feel part of the street. Because of Covid, they weren’t allowed to have visitors which was really tough for everyone.
“For families, they weren’t allowed to see residents for more than a year.
“We contacted the residents’ group as it’s our anniversary too, and said it would be special for us to do something together.”
Vanessa Kramer, a relative of a resident at Lady Nuffield, added: “We always have a party every year but to have one out on the street is really nice.
“It’s very important that people in residential care keep in touch with the environment around them.”
Meanwhile, further north in Oxford, Harpes Road neighbours enjoyed the jubilee celebrations.
Elaine Steane helped organise the Harpes Road street party, and said: “We’ve been planning this since April and decided to do something despite the half-term.
“We’ve had a bit of rain but it’s been a team effort – this area of Harpes Road, Hernes Road, Water Eaton Road and Islip Road is like a little island.
“It’s really lovely to have days like this – we’ve had country dancing in the street, a tug of war, and a lovely, big lunch.
“It’s really good for a sense of community, and reducing loneliness.”
David Rhodes, of Water Eaton Road, added: “We have something every year but Covid obviously dissolved the last two years.
“It’s reaffirmed how important being out and about together is.”
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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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