Friends who turn 60 in Jubilee year remember Queen’s visit

FOR six women in Hull, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations will be extra special.

Not only do they all turn 60 in the year of the Queen's 60th year on the throne, one of them has actually had Her Majesty round for tea.

Joanne Platten, Yvonne Tebbutt, Susan Coldbeck, Maureen Roach, Maureen Conlon and Janet Clark grew up together on the Longhill estate in Hull.

Four of them still live in Hull, while Yvonne Tebbutt has moved to Holme- upon-Spalding-Moor and Maureen Roach moved to Yarm, near Darlington.

The group have known each other since they were girls and went to Saltshouse Primary School.

Yvonne, 60, who is retired, said: "We were all excited and waving our flags when the Queen toured our estate.

"She stopped in front of my mum's house and then went in.

"She had a cup of tea and a fairy cake but my mother was mortified because she was wearing her pinny.

"My dad was a bit cross too, because all the Queen's escorts and policemen had trampled his garden."

While her parents enjoyed their encounter, Yvonne was left outside, clutching her little Union Jack flag.

She said: "The policeman said I couldn't go in – I was upset I had to wait outside.

"When I tell people the Queen came for tea at my house, they don't believe me.

"I've been down to London and been outside Buckingham Palace. I tried ringing the bell but she didn't let me in."

For the rest of the women, the Queen's visit to Hull in May 1957 was also a special time.

Joanne, 60, said: "I remember her coming down Holderness Road. We were all really excited."

Reminiscing about their times spent playing together as children, the women – who all still regularly meet for lunch – say estates are not what they used to be.

Janet, who turns 60 later this year, said: "Housing estates aren't like they used to be and are nothing like they were when we were kids.

"Before, everyone knew their neighbours and they were in and out of each others houses all the time. We used to have street parties all the time.

"We are living in austere times now though – it is a shame people don't join in the celebrations as much."

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be marked during a specially extended weekend from June 2 to 5.

The weekend will be very special for Maureen Roach, whose grandmother Laura Wilson turns 100 on June 3.

Maureen turned 60 earlier this year and in October her mother Iris Pearson will be 80 – meaning each generation is separated by 20 years.

Maureen said: "My grandma will probably think all the street parties are for her, bless her.

"Unfortunately, I am away so won't be celebrating with her but there will be a family party in Bridlington at my mum's sister's house."

A host of events are taking place in the city to mark the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

They include a street party with band performances, rides and local celebrities in Newland Avenue, west Hull.

A flotilla of 60 vessels has been organised by Hull Sailing Club for the city.

There will also be the Jane Tomlinson 10K race and a Diamond Jubilee Songs of Praise-style service at Holy Trinity Church in Trinity Square.

In London, there will be a special flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames.

Is your street hosting a party? Is there a big event for the Diamond Jubilee in the area you want to tell us about? E-mail e.wright@mailnewsmedia.co.uk