Coronation day in Ellerton Road

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, with lots of cake and jelly and trifles. I can also remember quite a few barrels of beer being carried around to various locations in the road, lol. 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- the ones who could still stand up straight anyway! 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. (Hang on, I think it was ours!) My brother Lawrence played for all the contestants (I think Clemmy Watts must have been one of them – in fact I think he won!) and my brother whistled “In a Monastery Garden” while my other brother, Charlie, played piano. I remember it being a great day, even though the weather wasn’t good. All us children were given a Coronation mug FILLED with Cadbury’s chocolate….mmmmm! I know we went to bed tired, but happy!