Big Jubilee Lunch, Beachborough Gardens 3 June

A very soggy start to the day, it's damp and chilly too. But ... the rain stopped in time for the Big Jubilee Lunch at Beachborough Gardens!  The gardens are lovely, just behind St John's Church and what used to be the Green Man pub on the Bromley Road.  Almost a private square (or rectangle) they were transformed with a bouncy castle, the wildly popular smoothie bikes, face painting and crown making, live music from the Whitefoot Community Choir and Tamil dancing, a large marquee for food and music - and a fantastic clown who kept everyone entertained.

A splendid spread in the marquee

Transfixed - smoothies are made with pedal power alone, not telekinesis

 It was great to see so many people, young and old, turn out in spite of the weather. There's nothing like an outdoor event to bring people together! I was the Fruit Ninja on the smoothie bike stand for a while and many kids asked me if it was really free, the illusion only slightly spoiled when one asked if the ice creams were free as well! If health was measured by smoothies pedalled and consumed this lot would be the healthiest in south London.

Busy chopping up the fruit - some kids came back for more

Champion goblet holder, Heidi Alexander MP, and a twit(terer) holding a melon

 Heidi Alexander, our local MP, came to join in the fun and present the prizes for the children's fancy dress competition. Expect some photos in the News Shopper and South London Press, both photographers were there to record the occasion.

Bubble catching

Bubbles and balloon sword fights

PCSOs Steve and Maya were there with their giant heads, ably supported (and guided) by their colleagues and Volunteer Police Cadets who I caught dancing around their stall.

PCSO Maya - is the clown under arrest, or is it the other way round?

Making a crown to celebrate her Maj

Thanks to everyone who helped set up and make it such a special celebration, to all the people who brought food and their time, and to local residents for joining in so enthusiastically. A big thank you to Jason Fleming, Whitefoot and Downham Assemblies coordinator, for organising the Whitefoot Big Jubilee Lunch - have a nice break now!