Norma and Albert Ellington enjoy the celebrations

Bexleyheath couple celebrate 58th wedding anniversary at Jubilee street party

Robin Cottle, Reporter Wednesday, June 6, 2012
2:58 PM

A couple in Warren Road, Bexleyheath, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary as they enjoyed the Diamond Jubilee festivities.

Albert and Norma Ellington, 81 and 80 respectively, have lived on the Bexleyheath street since 1953 and 1952. They have been married since 1954.

Mr Ellington said: “It’s blooming marvellous. The weather could have been better at the start but this is the best party I’ve ever been to and I’ve seen a few.

“Organisers Hanna and Lesley Leask have done a great job. I think this has definitely helped with the community spirit.”

His wife added: “It’s good that everyone can get to know each other. Most of the people on the street are friendly but this just helps bring people together.”

Despite the bad weather at the start of the day, the sun started shining in the afternoon to allow residents and their friends to really get into the party spirit.

Lesley Leask, 62, said: “I’ve lived here for over 30 years and don’t know some people on the street.

“The idea was to bring the community closer together will celebrating everything that’s good about being British and I think we’ve achieved this.”

To round off the festivities there was an appearance by ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and her daughter-in-law ‘Kate Middleton’, who greeted children and judged a best dog competition.

There was also a bouncy castle for the kids as well as face painting, and the street was lined with a range of hot and cold food, with well-earned alcohol for the adults.

The street’s resident taxi driver Neil Harvey, 53, said: “I’m a total royalist. The Queen’s done a brilliant job. I’d like to be doing what she’s doing when I’m 86!”

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