AMONG those seeing in the Coronation with a right royal knees-up were the attendees at the Norcot Mission Church in Tilehurst’s Brockley Close.
Revellers were treated to classic British fare such as tea and cake as well as a barbecue to celebrate the event in the heart of Dee Park.
They also played party games while guest pianist Tim Valentine performed a number of classic and well-known songs to help the soiree go with a swing, decked out in a celebratory Union Flag suit.
One of those attending was Sylvia, who said that she’d been coming to the church for around 10 years.
She said on the day: “It’s been absolutely fantastic– the weather was a bit unpredictable, but It’s been a success.
“Times like this are when you feel that sense of community most, so personally I’d like to see this happen more often– maybe once a month.
“Where people get together for tea and coffee, because on a day like this you wonder what to do with the kids, and this is a chance to come out and get some fresh air and nibbles.”
Organiser Nicki Parton said: “We’ve now got a food pantry and a coffee morning on Fridays [at the church], where I help out.
“The ladies across the road that I met there suggested having a street party, so we thought we’d bring the community together, where the church is in the heart.
“We’ve all been praying that the rain would hold off, but thankfully it hasn’t rained!”
She said: “It looks like everyone’s having a nice time: it’s nice to see everyone looking relaxed, eating and chatting, and playing the games that my son has set up, and we’ve got Tim, our pianist, who can play anything.”
As the cost of living crisis continues, she explained: “We’ve made sure everything is free, so everything has been donated,” and invited nearby residents to the church for its regular pantry if they were in need.
“For people struggling with money, they can come to the church on Fridays, where they give 10 food items for £4 or 15 items for a family for £6.
“They can also come to our coffee shop with free tea and coffee, where we lay out toys and games for anyone who wants to socialise and bring the kids.”
Norcot Mission Church holds its regular food pantry on Fridays from 10am-noon, and from 1pm-3pm, with a weekly subscription required.
The Oasis Cafe also takes place there on Fridays between 10am-3pm.
More information about how to take part is available via: norcot.org
