Bridgwater residents reflect on watching Queen's Coronation

The people living at Willow Court, which is managed by FirstPort, enjoyed an outdoor street party at a communal space near their bungalows, despite one brief shower.

Some of the residents living at the site near Wilkins Road watched the Queen's Coronation in June 1953 - mostly in cramped rooms on nine-inch black-and-white televisions.

Roy Thompson, who turns 91 this week, told the Bridgwater Mercury: “There were about 20 of us in one room crowded around the same television set to watch it.

“I think I was too young and got bored and went out into the garden to play!”

Roy also remembers watching King George VI’s funeral procession in February 1952 shortly after his death, which led to Princess Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.

Parts of his childhood were spent under the reign of King George V, who died in 1936, and Edward VIII, who became the Duke of Windsor after he abdicated after just 325 days.

Roy Thompson (left) in a Union Jack hat and waistcoat with fellow Willow Court residents.

“I was born when George V was on the throne,” said Roy.

“Then Edward VIII was on – he lasted over the weekend, just about.

“I’ve got a book at home about Edward VIII being the new King, which I was given when I was at school because I was six years old at the time.

“He only lasted for a very short while.”

Roy, who has lived in Somerset for around 50 years after moving from Surrey for work and marrying a Bridgwater woman, believes the Queen has done a “marvellous job”.

Willow Court's management put on a range of activities and a lunch gathering to celebrate the Queen's milestone.

He said: “I wouldn’t have had the job for anything, so she’s very welcome to it.

“People say she’s been looked after a bit too much and had too much of everything, but I don’t think so – I think she’s deserved all she’s got.”

Edward Way, a 91-year-old Willow Court resident who used to serve in the RAF, was asked to take part in the Queen’s Coronation parade but was unable to do so due to a foot injury.

He served in the air force for around five years, including spells in South Africa and Egypt.

Because he was unable to attend the parade, he watched it on TV in his barracks.

“It was wonderful. She was so well-liked,” said Edward.

“I wouldn’t want her role. You couldn’t do anything without people watching!

“It’s nice to be able to say I was there when the Coronation was on.”

Willow Court put on a lunchtime spread on the bank holiday Friday.

Brenda Masters, Jean Lipcombe, Carol Dearson, and Shirley Rowles also remember watching the Coronation on TV and recall her arrival at Westminster Abbey in a gold coach.

They described the scene of dozens of people from their streets crowding into one home – usually the only one with a TV – and watching the ceremony take place with the children sitting on the floor.

Willow Court is located just off Wilkins Road in Bridgwater.

 “My parents were the only ones with a TV, so all the people in the street came and watched it at my mother and father’s house,” said Shirley.

“There were about 20 of us, so there was standing room only!”

Jean and Carol also remember receiving commemorative items from their schools, such as Coronation mugs and spoons or ornamental models of her state coach.

Another resident, Flo, celebrated the Queen’s Coronation with a street party in her Plymouth cul-de-sac, followed by a fireworks display with people from around 20 other houses.

95-year-old Pat – who is one year younger than the Queen – believes she has done an excellent job.

The Queen acceded to the throne in February 1952, and her Coronation took place in June 1953.

“She’s got a lot on her mind and a lot to do,” she said.

“I think she’s wonderful. She always looks nice, and she always seems to be where she should be.”

Speaking about Willow Court’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, she added: “I think it’s been lovely. I just wish the rain hadn’t come!”

Willow Court contains 43 bungalows and communal spaces and puts on refgular social activities.