Jubilant Jubilee celebrations in Bromley

The atmosphere was jubilant and moods remained un-dampened by the intermittent drizzle. Bromley residents and local groups shared their thoughts with News Shopper on the festive occasion.

Christine Smith, 66, from Grove Park, has lived in the borough her whole life and seen Her Majesty several times including during her last Royal excursion to the town in 1986.

She said: “The first time I saw her was in 1953 – that was after the coronation. I was seven and at Marvels Lane Primary School. I saw her in 1986 too. I think it is brilliant. I would say ‘congratulations’ to her, because I just think she has done such a good job over the 60 years and the Duke has been there all the time too. I think it is great.”

Amanda Richards, 50, from Shortlands, said: “We are very excited. I have never seen her before and neither has Grace. The borough allowed primary school children to have the morning off for an educational experience.”

Children from Parish CE Primary School lined up along Kentish Way to catch a glimpse of the Queen driving past.

Sophie, 11, said: “It is exciting seeing the Queen. It is exciting because she is famous.” Millie, 10, said: “She is like a role model.” Louis, 10, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for us to see the Queen. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Rajvi Joshi, 25, lives in Widmore Road and came early to get a good view. She said: “It is wonderful, amazing. I have been waiting from 9 o’clock. It would be wonderful to talk to her. It is a dream to be fulfilled.”

Cath Thorning works at Breaside School and was jointly celebrating the Queen and her son Wilf’s first birthday.

She said: “We haven’t actually managed to see the Queen - we missed her! We saw the top of Philip’s head. The atmosphere is very exciting.

"Wilf has just turned one and he had a little dance earlier. It is good for people to see a special event like this and the High Street is perfect for celebrations.”

Winners of a Jubilee flag competition at Balgowan Primary School showed off a banner they made specially for the Queen.

Teacher Helen Matthews said: “Everyone is very very excited and we are glad the rain has stopped. The children here are the winners of a Jubilee flag design competition that they did for homework. They will report back to the rest of the school in assembly.“

Kelly Sandiford, 45, is from Shortlands and took the day off to celebrate. She said: “I have taken the day off work to see the Queen. It is a wonderful occasion that she is coming to our borough.

"My daughter has been chosen to parade and they made a banner to show to the Queen. It has been very well organised.”

Rosemary Chater, 64, is a musician who has travelled from Catford to be involved. She said: “There is a great atmosphere. I saw her today on Tweedy Road. I got a pretty good view of her as she came by. I have seen her several times. This is the first time I have seen her in Bromley but I saw her in Catford after the coronation.“

Local barbershop group, The Kentones, performed on the High Street to get crowds ready for the Queen’s arrival. Publicity secretary, Peter Aylett said: “It is brilliant – a joyful occasion and we enjoyed it. There is a difficulty of singing out in the open air but we managed to keep the harmonies together. We just love singing.”