The Queen at the South of England Show at Ardingly, captured by Herald and Gazette photographer Gerald ThompsonThe Queen at the South of England Show at Ardingly, captured by Herald and Gazette photographer Gerald Thompson
The Queen at the South of England Show at Ardingly, captured by Herald and Gazette photographer Gerald Thompson

See how Littlehampton and the surrounding area celebrated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977

The Herald and Gazette joined the people of the Littlehampton area in wishing the Queen well as she celebrated her Silver Jubilee in June 1977. Street parties, bonfires, processions and fetes were organised to mark her 25-year reign.
By Elaine Hammond
Published 6th Apr 2022, 11:42 BST

Littlehampton Sea Cadets held a drumhead service at the Baptist Church on Sunday, June 5, 1977, having moved it from Caffyns Field due to threatening rain. Guides, Brownies and members of the Air Training Corps joined the parade, led by the Sea Cadet band, from the railway station to the church. Among the large congregation were about 70 young people who were presented with jubilee gospels.

Rain, gales, chilly temperatures - just about the worst weather could do in June - could not stop Rustington from bringing the spirit of the Silver Jubilee alive. Hundreds of people swarmed to the shopping centre on Monday, June 6, 1977, to watch the village carnival procession. The Street was bright with bunting and banners and while the large crowd had raincoats and umbrellas, for those on parade there was little they could do but smile and brave the blustery showers.

The procession was organised by Mary Calloway and Audrey Smith with a team of helpers. Among the 22 entries were various youth groups, including Rustington Young Players with their portrayal of smugglers. Judges gave Blue Line Taxis a special commendation for their float, Fit For a Queen, showing how Elizabeth I might have travelled.

East Preston had a torchlight procession, bonfire and barbecue on Monday, June 6, 1977. Youngsters from the village marched with torches blazing from the beach opposite the King of Clubs at Angmering-on Sea. A crowd of many hundreds braved a biting wind to watch.

Angmering had a splendid procession of 30 floats for its jubilee carnival, led by the May Queen, 11-year-old Alison Kernoghan. There was a village fete, mini Olympics on Fletchers Field and a bonfire in the evening.

See also: See how Littlehampton celebrated the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953

Worthing Archaeological Society: 100 years dedicated to the history of West Sussex, including findings of national importance

Exhibition of West Sussex police memorabilia comes to Chichester

Children in Belloc Road, Littlehampton, competing in a slow bicycle race a their jubilee street party

1. Littlehampton

Children in Belloc Road, Littlehampton, competing in a slow bicycle race a their jubilee street party Photo: JPIMedia

Fancy dress at the street party in Bayford Road, Littlehampton

2. Littlehampton

Fancy dress at the street party in Bayford Road, Littlehampton Photo: JPIMedia

A group of happy youngsters in high spirits at the Rustington carnival procession on Monday, June 6, 1977

3. Rustington

A group of happy youngsters in high spirits at the Rustington carnival procession on Monday, June 6, 1977 Photo: JPIMedia

Rustington Young Players with their smugglers float for the Rustington carnival procession on Monday, June 6, 1977

4. Rustington

Rustington Young Players with their smugglers float for the Rustington carnival procession on Monday, June 6, 1977 Photo: JPIMedia

Previous
1 / 8
Next Page
Related topics:QueenAngmering