Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Queen's Coronation, Hewitt Road, 1953 (Julie's Photo Retouched)

A version retouched by yours truly of Julie's original (below)

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Comment by Dick Harris on May 5, 2023 at 13:36: When the queen was crowned in 1953 I was 8 years old and living in Biggleswade. I can't recall any street parties but I do remember that a black and white TV was set up on the parish church (courtesy no doubt of messrs Radio Rentals) for anyone to watch the events. Hardly anyone had TVs at home so seeing one was exciting in itself. We had tiny coloured cardboard cutouts of the coronation coach and horses along with ranks of marching soldiers etc. We all had to get used to saying and singing Queen instead of King which felt a bit odd for a while. And a few years later in the Scouts we encountered leaders who were described as King's Scouts. Unlike top barristers they didn't automatically become Queen's Scouts so I suppose that I shall remain forever a Queen's Scout (circa 1962).

Comment by John Shulver on May 5, 2023 at 19:56: Wonderful photo. I wonder how many celebrations of that ilk there will be for Charles Coronation ? Times have changed so much since 1953.

Comment by John D on May 6, 2023 at 7:50: Apart from changes in attitudes, there were very few television sets in 1953 so there was more of an incentive to go out and celebrate.

Comment by John D on May 6, 2023 at 7:55: We didn't even have electricity :)

Comment by John Shulver on May 6, 2023 at 17:52: Neither did we John D ! I can remember our floorboards being ripped up to lay cables. Great excitement as a kid to be seeing and entering into the 'underworld'. I'm not certain of year but would've been 1955/58 time I suppose ? Electricity must've saved our Mum a fair bit on gas mantles, not the most child friendly objects.

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