Over 200 local residents belonging to all communities participated and enjoyed themselves with the cultural programme presented by local artists, singers and dancers.

They also enjoyed the various varieties of healthy food and drinks. Everyone joined in wishing Her Majesty the Heartiest Congratulations on her DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

At the Beehive Resource Centre the event started with the singing of the National Anthem by the Thurrock Spectrum Brass with the full participation of the audience including the Mayor and Mayoress of Thurrock.

This local Band entertained the residents by playing famous musical tunes from the 1960s onwards for half an hour which were throughly enjoyed by everyone. Thurrock Asian Association Bollywood dancing group of girls thrilled the audience with their artistic performance. This was followed by the singing of the Asian Adult Music Group who sang beautiful love songs in Asian Languages, much appreciated by everyone.

A loud applause came from everyone when the Storm Group put up their dancing performance. The cake cutting ceremony was performed by the Mayor and the Mayoress of Thurrock who paid a great tribute to our beloved Queen whom they met at the Buckingham Palace on an investiture ceremony in 2006 when Cllr Yash Gupta got his MBE. At the T.A.A Resource Centre on 4th June the audience were entertained by the Music sung by the Adult Music Group and they also watched a DVD relating to the Buckingham Palace and the Queen.

Mr Mitra, secretary of the Association thanked everyone who participated in this great community event.

Residents and church members as well as local councillors and prospective parliamentary candidate for Labour, Polly Billington gathered to enjoy a wonderful celebration.

Earlier in the day, there had been a charity bed push. Whilst we were there, we bumped into Jimbo entertaining the kids.

While we were visiting Leatherland Lodge care home in South Ockendon, we asked if there was anyone who would like to recall the coronation in 1953.

We spoke to Joyce, who is a retired district nurse and remembers listening to events while she worked at Orsett hospital.

Rob Groves and the community held a street party in Scratton Road on Sunday whilst St Margaret’s church held a church service of thanksgiving as well as a great party in the grounds and in the church.

The day was opened by the head boy and head girl of Hassenbrook Academy, Luke Wildish and Chloe Sebastiao.

YT spoke to rev John Guest about the day and what the jubilee meant to the Stanford-le-Hope community.

In many ways it was a throw back to 1977 but in other ways it shows what one street can do.

Community leader Keith Williams stressed that the street has a sense of community, 365 days a year.

The Mayor of Thurrock, cllr Yash Gupta and the deputy mayor, cllr Tony Fish were present to join in on the festivities.

The beacon was lit at 10.15pm on Monday night as part of a co-ordinated event across the country.

Thanks to local historian Tim Harrold for recording the historic event.