Surbiton residents celebrate the reign in the rain

Surbiton residents got out their Union flags and stiff upper lips this weekend to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, despite the grim weather.  On Sunday morning there were big queues at Surbiton station as hundreds of local residents made their way into central London for the official celebrations and Jubilee river pageant.  After the event, many came back drenched and cold; suffering from long delays on the trains as Waterloo and Vauxhall stations were both closed for a while due to overcrowding.

Here in Surbiton many of the street parties suffered due to the rain.  But in true bulldog spirit, the show went on.  Over in Ellington and Bond Roads, the street party carried on throughout the horrendous downpour on Sunday afternoon.  People carried on eating and drinking at their trestle tables, kids were jumping in the puddles and the street-Karaoke was blasting out some great songs.  This particular street party was put on by EBRA (Ellington and Bond Residents Association) who have done a great job since forming a few years ago.  Other nearby roads have since joined in (Worthington Road for one) and there was ma great community spirit.

The street parties in Surbiton started on Saturday and are continuing through to Tuesday.  They varied in size and organisation, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves tremendously.  On Monday, we particularly like the street party at Manor Drive, where there were loads of people line dancing (some more successful than others!) in the middle of the street.  Also, congratulations go to Knollmead over in the Sunray Estate where the newly formed residents association organised a great party next to the community centre.  We met the Mayor and Deputy Mayor there too!

The weather has improved from the torrential rain that occurred on the Sunday evening, even if it isn't as nice as we'd all hoped for.  What is clear though is that Surbiton residents are determined to celebrate no matter what the weather.  As ever, God Save the Queen!