THE weekend’s wet weather had little effect on Ealing residents as they braved the rain to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Even the heaviest downpours on Sunday afternoon could not dampen people’s spirits, with street parties and other activities going ahead as planned.

Robin Springall, chairman of Creffield Area Residents’ Association, said that even more people than expected turned out at their street party on Sunday lunchtime.

“We'd planned for bad weather, so we just moved the street party inside the church at the last minute,” he said.

“We have a strong community spirit in our neighbourhood, with active participation of both the Creffield Area Residents' Association and St Martin's Church, and we had nearly 300 people turn up - which was something of a shock to those manning the barbecues!”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Ealing also attended, cutting the Jubilee cake with a sabre before proposing the Loyal Toast to the Queen and beginning a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

“The party went on for hours. We had lots of games and activities to keep the children entertained, and we finished around five o'clock with everybody going home happy,” he added.

Another successful party was held by St Barnabas Church in Pitshanger Lane.

Again, attendance was high and the celebrations went on long into the afternoon, with residents delighted to be able to watch the pageant on the Thames.

“We had a brilliant turn-out for our service, lunch and screening. We even had to use two screens - one in the church and one in our large hall!” said organiser Hilary Nicholl.