Putney and Roehampton Celebrate the Coronation in Style

Numerous street parties held over the Bank Holiday weekend

The Royal Couple (?) in Fawe Park Road, Putney

May 19, 2023

There were street parties held all over the SW15 postcode area this weekend to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Wandsworth Council had waived road closure fees and given grants to some organisers to encourage street parties to be held resulting in 144 events taking place across the borough over the weekend.

Fortunately, most were held during the glorious sunshine that prevailed on Sunday (7 May) and the Mayor of Wandsworth, Jeremy Ambache was touring the area to visit as many of the events as he could and local MP Fleur Anderson managed to get to eight street parties as well as other events over the weekend.

Also present was Mr Benn, Putney’s favourite cartoon son, who we assured is an avowed monarchist. He said, “All my fifty plus years I have dedicated to dressing up, bringing communities together and creating a bit of happiness. The Coronation brings all these things together which is why I am so keen. People always said I was old fashioned wearing a bowler hat but I liked it that way, monarchy is a bit similar. Anyway the point was to have a nice day, party and raise a glass, we did that and more.”

Mr Benn was actually retired journalist Hugh Thompson who lives in cartoon creator David McKee’s old house in Festing Road.

Mr Benn says the point was to have a nice day, party and raise a glass

The Mayor met up with 100-year-old Aftab Ahmad in Balmuir Gardens, Putney. Mr Ahmad served in the British Army for 25 years and then worked for British Rail for 27 years. After his retirement he volunteered with the Muslim Association. He's seen here with his birthday letter of congratulations from the King and Queen.

Aftab Ahmad (sitting in centre) in Balmuir Gardens

Putney MP Fleur Anderson said, “The Coronation weekend was a celebration of their Majesties and our communities. Do watch my Coronation Weekend video to spot your street party. I really enjoyed all of the events. I cycled between eight street parties across the weekend and attended a tree-planting ceremony, Coronation sports day and sing-a-long. I was delighted to join All Saints’, St Mary’s and St Michael’s schools for inviting me to their celebrations.

Fleur Anderson at one of the eight street parties she attended

“A huge thank you to all the organisers – including events at Manresa Clubroom in Roehampton organised by Estate Art, Trentham and Strathville Road, Elborough Road, Granard Avenue, Combemartin Road, Galveston Road, STRA6 Residents Association on Pullborough Road, Southfields Grid party at St Barnabas, and the Ahmaddiya community hosted events in the Ashburton Estate and Fazl Mosque and both of which had over 300 people attending.

Fleur Anderson at Coronation celebrations at the Fazl Mosque

"There was a big party at Coronation Gardens and I hugely enjoyed burying a time capsule on Thursday 11th May in Roehampton with Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Jeremy Ambache and Roehampton Councillor Jenny Yates.

Burying a time capsule with Mayor Jeremy Ambache and Roehampton Councillor Jenny Yates

“The Wimbledon and Putney Commons event was very special and moving. We gathered at the War Memorial in Roehampton and followed a piper playing us all the way to the Windmill in Wimbledon. It was lit up for the Coronation and there was a ceremony of readings and music from our four nations. Then more cake!”

A street party in Granard Avenue

The residents of Hotham Road celebrate the day. Picture: Adrian Bell

At the Hotham Road street party. Picture: Adrian Bell

The Mayor joined celebrations in Hazlewell Road, Putney

If you held a party in your street over the weekend do send photos to editor@putneysw15.com.

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