Pensioners across Southwark united for a Jubilee lunch at Christ Church, Old Kent Road, the first time many had seen each other since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The event, held on Wednesday June 1, saw elderly residents from the Bonamy, Elmington, Silverlock, Ledbury and Caroline Gardens estates tuck into fish and chips, dance to country music and enjoy a raffle.
For some of those from the Ledbury Estate, it was their first chance to see old neighbours since they were ejected in preparation for the estate’s demolition and reconstruction.
Residents were decanted from four high-rise blocks on the Ledbury Estate after post-Grenfell fire inspections found the building could collapse if there was a gas explosion.
Dallas Gopie, 77, who lived on the Ledbury Estate for 40 years, but has moved to Elephant and Castle said: “I had to move out because it was too much upheaval with all the building works and gas being turned off.
“I’m not interested in all this ‘Rule Britannia’ stuff but I’ve missed the community and stuff like this for the pensioners.”
Newly instated Mayor of Southwark Sunil Chopra also attended, saying: “I personally think this event is very important. Lots of people have been at home isolated and neglected since Covid. It’s a big issue in society for senior citizens.”
He also said Jubilee celebrations were important: “The Queen has dedicated her whole life to every citizen in this country and she commands global respect for that.”
Gill Davis, chair of the Silverlock Estate TRA, said: “It’s all about community for these older people and it gets them out when they’ve been stuck away so long.”
She said that on the Silverlock Estate, lots of leaseholders rented out their properties to short-term tenants, which had degraded the sense of community over time.
The extended Jubilee bank holiday weekend begins of Thursday June 2, with the Queen’s Jubilee pageant taking place outside Buckingham Palace on Sunday June 5.
Other platinum jubilee events in southwark to go to:
Music, dance, food and drink at free Borough jubilee festival next weekend
Peckham’s Elim House putting on day of free events for Jubilee
See Camberwell’s most regal pooch at free Jubilee street party this Saturday