Rain, wind, snow – and still they all partied on

ON THE day the Queen took to the Thames it became a case of water, water everywhere at Croydon's street parties – with one even experiencing snow.

In Purley, Trixie Muirhead organised her road's party with a precision to rival that of the royal river pageant.

Her efforts included sending five instalments of pink letters to 71 houses in Riddlesdown Avenue, updating them on the progress of the party and giving instructions for the big day.

It was well worth the effort, with dozens enjoying lunch on the road before breaking to watch the royal river pageant on TV and returning for afternoon tea.

Not far from there, an elated party organiser spoke of her joy at watching neighbours come together to celebrate the occasion.

Roxanna Kishore-Bigod helped organise barbecues, cakes and a bouncy castle for more than 50 guests in Roffey Close on Sunday.

"Some people have been cooking since yesterday," she said.

"It has been a real team effort.

"Everyone came out this morning to help set up. What we have spent in money we have made up for in community spirit; you cannot put a price on that."

Snowflakes fell on the 100 revellers in WinifredRoad, Coulsdon, for a full half hour on Sunday afternoon.

Reveller Wendy Ager said: "It did not settle on the streets but was landing on people's heads, which was quite funny."

Performers and party-goers battled on, however.

The party included a children's disco, smoke machine, barbershop quartet and live singing from local performers Jenny Green and John Lazenby.

Over in New Addington, hundreds of pounds were raised for local charities and community groups with a Jubilee fair and street party in Central Parade hosted by the Addington Community Association.

The New Addington Christmas Appeal's stall was crowned best Jubilee-themed stall, bedecked with photos of Her Majesty and "diamond" decorations.

Chairman Mick Watts said: "We all got together and did it between us.

"It looks great."

ACA general secretary Gillian Towler said: "It has been a fantastic day; everyone has had a good time. We have had Zumba dancing and all sorts."

In the estate's Netley Close, Iceland supermarket helped neighbours throw a party fit for royalty.

Helen Dunford was one of hundreds of people across the country to win some Jubilee party refreshments from her local store.

She hosted a bash for neighbours and friends involving face-painting, egg and spoon races, barbecues and more.

She said: "I wanted to hold it as I thought it would be good for the community and would bring all the neighbours together.

"More than 20 children have had their faces painted and they are even getting their hands done as well."

Despite being hit by torrential rain, a Jubilee party in Thornton Heath boosted efforts to help an orphanage in India.

The party in Mersham Road, hosted by the Mersham Road Fellowship, helped raise funds to send members of the church's youth group to visit a an orphanage in India that they support.

The Reverend Nick Gray said: "We had a lot of people sit down to lunch from across the local community. We had live music performed by local talent."

In South Norwood, Kings Road street party organiser Georgie Fellows said: "It is the third year we have had a street party, and obviously with it being the Diamond Jubilee we wanted to make it as big as possible.

"The mayor and the South Norwood fire brigade came down as well, and the children all had a go on the fire engine.

"We have had more than 100 people here; it is going really well."

In central Croydon, a three-month project took centre stage.

Pupils at the New Life Christian School in Ruskin Road created a two-metre-high portrait of the Queen using buttons of all colours and sizes, donated by friends and family.

Their creation was displayed in the hall of the church on Sunday, when it hosted "one thousand people" for a Jubilee lunch.

Kay McCabe, from the church, added: "We wanted to bring the community together after the riots.

"We did not think we would feed quite so many, but the food never ran out.

"We are on a bit of a high, but already planning the next event."

The button portrait will go on display at Croydon Library.