Spirit so great! (From Barry And District News)

Spirit so great!

A BARRY pensioner is reflecting on the community spirit that made the Coronation so special.

Hazel Clarke, 79, of Queen Street remembers the day very well. She told the News: "Although the day was wet, it did nothing to dampen the excitement we all felt. We just moved the whole party into the St Paul's Church Hall.

"For three months, we had raised money. In the end, there was enough food and drink for everyone. It was a lovely day."

One of the men in the block of houses was a keen photographer. Jack Stevens took pictures which Hazel keeps in an album.

She added: "We'd raised enough money to buy all the children a commemorative coin for their fancy dress. And in the week we hired two coaches for a day trip to Porthcawl."

The street had two cakes made by Mr Wilding of Dorothy's Cafe. Hazel recalls they cost £2 10s each, and were decorated in a very regal way.

She said: "They had a golden coach drawn by two horses on the top. I kept my coach, and I even have the original box it came in. I actually used it for the Silver Jubilee."

But Hazel regrets that there doesn't seem to be the time taken to enjoy this year's celebration.

She added: "Because we were all part of the ceremony, we felt closer to the royal family. I think this year has been a wasted chance for the royals to become popular again, but it's not their fault. I just don't think young families have the time to dedicate to a party like we had 50 years ago. I didn't work at the time, so it was easy for me to help organise the event. "It's a shame though, because they were such special days."