Getting ready for a right Royal knees-up (From Bicester Advertiser)

Getting ready for a right Royal knees-up

10:30am Friday 22nd April 2011 in News By Liam Sloan

Decorating Dean Court Community Centre, are, back from left, Anna Pearson, Rachel Preece, Amy Leo, 11, Priscilla Waugh, Paul Hettler, Micah Hettler, 18 months, Jamel Miah and Jubel Miah, and, front, Holly Champ, seven, and Casey Champ, 10

THE bunting has been ordered, the cakes iced, and the bubbly put on ice to chill.

Across Oxfordshire, royal watchers, and funseekers are counting down to Will and Kate’s big day, with parties planned by communities across the county.

In Nunnery Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, 71-year-old Liz Brandon said she would be up at 6am next Friday to hang bunting and balloons along the street.

She said: “A number of us have lived in this close for 50 years. We came here when it was new and it was absolutely wonderful.

“Eight of us are left, and although celebrating William and Kate comes first, we’re celebrating our anniversary too.”

The party, complete with bingo, barbecue, jelly & ice cream, and games, starts at 3pm and will go on until midnight. Up to 100 people are expected to attend.

At Blackbird Leys Community Centre, the Royal wedding will be screened live at 11am as part of an all-day celebration, including an outdoor disco, tea party penalty shoot out competition, and themed craft activities for children.

Organiser Paula Williams said more than 150 people were expected to turn up.

She said: “A lot of people are intrigued about what Kate’s dress will be like.People are definitely starting to get interested and look forward to it. Our event will also be a chance for people to look around the community centre and find out what is going on.”

Ramsay Road in Headington will be closed from 3pm to 9pm, as residents get together for a street party, complete with live music and a hog roast.

Organiser Katie McMillan said: “We have had a very positive response, and think about 80 per cent of the people who live in the road are coming.

“We’re not all extreme royalists, but it is a very good excuse for a party.”

In Cumnor, organisers have arranged a party in Pinnocks Way to raise money for the rebuilding of the Dean Court Community Centre, which burnt to the ground in February.

The centre’s treasurer Paul Hettler, 30, said: “The main thing is to get the community out and raise awareness and support for the project.

“There is probably mostly indifference to the Royal wedding, but everybody likes a street party. We’ve done this type of thing before, but usually on bank holidays in August. It should be a lot of fun.”

The community has already raised £24,000.

A police investigation into the blaze proved inconclusive, but pipework and radiators were stolen from the property on the same night that the fire began.

Despite the announcement of more parties in the city, Oxford seems to be more apathetic about the Royal wedding than other parts of the country, as we reported earlier this month.

The city council says it is aware of just eight street parties, compared with 31 in neighbouring South Oxfordshire.

Celebrations are also being planned in All Saints Road in Headington, Kingston Road in North Oxford, Falcon Close in Blackbird Leys, and Ulfgar Road in Wolvercote.

In Walton Street, the Phoenix Picturehouse cinema will be screening the wedding for free, while at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, a jousting tournament will add to the royal atmosphere.

In Abingdon, thousands of currant buns will be thrown from the roof of the County Hall Museum from 6pm, keeping up a tradition stretching back to the coronation of George III in 1761.

• Are you having a Royal wedding celebration? Call our newsdesk on 01865 425500 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk