Published: 15 June, 2012

• THANK-you for putting together a terrific Jubilee picture special (It’s 60 years, June 8). It was great to read about so many neighbours working together to host street parties.

Our own street party was a great success (despite a downpour in the late afternoon).

We couldn’t have done it without the planning and hard work of dozens of the street’s residents, and a big thank-you to all involved.

We would also like to thank the council and police, who were quick to give us the green light for the road closure.
It was such a special day for everyone, especially the children who made the most of a traffic-free street.

We look forward to an excuse for another street party soon and hope we get a bit more sunshine next time.

CATHERINE WATSON
Belitha Villas, N1

• THANK-you for the brilliant coverage last week of just some of the Diamond Jubilee street parties that took place around Islington.

Despite the very British weather, the weekend showed the very best of Islington, with all parts of the community, young and old, coming together to celebrate a very special occasion.

Party organisers and all those who attended deserve our thanks for creating such a special atmosphere.

In my ward alone, traders and residents celebrated at Highbury Barn.

The Crown sheltered housing unit in Highbury Terrace put on a great party as did residents in Petherton Road and Taverner and Pickett squares, where hundreds turned out.

When Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, Highbury commemorated the event with the building of the Clock Tower at the top of Highbury Fields.

This year, as we mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, after pressure and financial support from councillors, the council has restored the Clock Tower to its former glory in time for the celebrations.  

This is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s 60 years of loyal service to the nation and will serve as a reminder for many years to come.

CLLR TERRY STACY
Leader, Islington Liberal Democrats

• I ENJOYED the coverage of the Queen’s Jubilee. It was nice to see Islington decked out in the union flag and bunting, but I wonder how many people know the history of the union flag or how many flags make up its design.

The answer is three – the cross of St George (England), the cross of St Andrew (Scotland) and the cross of St Patrick (Northern Ireland).

May I recommend to readers The Union Jack, the story of the British flag by Nick Groom and published by Atlantic Books  ISBN 978 1 84354 337 4

JAMES (JAMIE) ANNETT
Member of the Gillespie Society