Halsbury Grove children’s Coronation fancy dress, 1953
2 June 1953 · Warren Farm Road
Fancy Dress Parade, Coronation Day, 2 June 1953.
Frank Burton writes on Voices of Kingstanding: “Its a picture of all of the kids in Halsbury Grove at a Fancy Dress Parade on Coronation Day June 2nd 1953 … There are 24 kids and I can name 21 of them.” The picture “was taken in the metal works classroom (converted for the day with flags, bunting and ribbons) on Warren Farm Road. It belonged to our school (Dulwich Road)”, by a professional photographer, A. W. Cotterell.
Frank names the children and their costumes on the site. The winner was Sandra Lee as a “Beautiful Doll in a Box” and the runner-up his sister Freda Burton as a prima ballerina; Frank himself was the Queen’s coach guard.
In Voices: “Coronation day in Ellerton Road” (Pat Burton) · “Coronation fancy dress, Halsbury Grove, 1953” (Frank Burton)
Local memories
What people who knew this place have said about it, in their own words. These are memories, not checked facts.
“Our party was in Ellerton Road and I remember how hard all the women worked to give us lovely spreads on trestle tables up and down the road and the groves … After the feast we all joined in games organised in Finchley Park, there was egg and spoon and sack races etc., for the children and the adults … Then for the evening entertainment we had a talent competition in Mr James’ front garden where the adults humped somebody’s treasured piano onto a home made stage. … All us children were given a Coronation mug FILLED with Cadbury’s chocolate….mmmmm!”
“You just brought back wonderful memories of the Coronation celebrations in Ellerton Road. … mum made us red,white and blue dresses out of crepe paper for the Coronation street party.”
“… Neasden Grove put out long tables for the children. We had Jelly and blancmange.”
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