IN 1977 the whole nation celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee and Halstead was no different with a host of street parties in the town.

However two residents, Alan and Rita Pilgrim, then of Pretoria Road, decided a street party wasn’t enough, organising a party in Halstead Public Gardens.

About 150 children attended to mark the day, with games followed by food and fun in a former hall opposite the park.

Allan, now 82, said: “I do remember it very well, because we had such a good response.

“Of course, the Queen’s Jubilee is a big event, but we celebrated well.

“Originally, me and Rita had hoped to close off the whole of Colchester Road, and have a really big street party down there, but we could never get permission.

“It was a great day, with some fantastic weather and a lot of fun and laughter.

“We put on a load of games for the kids, races and the like, as well as a fancy dress competition.

“I actually remember us doing a tug of war, and my son was the anchor at the back, and he tied the rope to a lamppost and no-one noticed.

“We must have spent about four hours in the Public Gardens, and it was really fantastic to be able to do something for all the children in the town.”