The residents of Winston Grove, Retford (DN22) held their annual outdoor Street Party on Sunday 29th June. This neighbourly annual event, first started in 2018, is well supported by the residents of Winston Grove and regularly held in June to take advantage of long days and (hopefully) sunshine.
This year, the event was themed as a VE Day party and although the official day for celebrating VE Day was 8th May, it was agreed amongst the organisers to keep the pre-planned date in June, for a better chance of sunny skies, which proved to be the right choice. After normal consultations with the Highways Agency to close off the road, albeit at the end of a cul-de-sac, preparations were soon underway.
At 10.00am the set-up began – tables (kindly lent by Sally of the Time Machine) assembled, chairs put out, gazebos erected, decorations put in place and bunting hung. Francoise and Margaret worked tirelessly in planning the event and preparing and cooking a selection of wonderful cakes and sweets, Carl had previously dealt with the required local administrative compliance and printed the invitation flyers and Mariana, Florin, Mike, Jill, Sarah, Keith, John, Bruce, Ken, Adrian, Tobias and Kevin (who also acted as BBQ Chef) supplied the labour, working seamlessly together to ensure all was securely set up and in place for the 1.00pm start.
Everyone eagerly arrived on a glorious summer’s day, bringing their own alcoholic or soft refreshments, although tea and coffee were also provided. A great BBQ was on offer, followed by a selection of delicious cakes. Ken was the Mastermind of the ‘VE Day Quiz’, and a raffle had lots of prizes on offer. The atmosphere was friendly and jovial with a fabulous day was had by all!
With the generosity of those attending, the raffle and donations on the day raised a total of £360 which was donated to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. In keeping with the great communal spirit of the Winston Grove residents, a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme under the umbrella of the national scheme has recently been established, keeping the residents up to date with important local issues.