PENSIONERS took a journey back in time this week when they threw an early party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

More than 60 residents of St Augustine’s Place in Gorleston, Clere House in Ormesby, Magdalen House in Gorleston and The Lawns in Yarmouth, kicked off the celebrations in style on Monday, when they enjoyed one of the country’s first Jubilee parties.

They were welcomed with a glass of sherry before singing classic songs including Run Rabbit Run while an accordion played.

Care co-ordinator at St Augustine’s, Vivian Butler, said: “The party went very well. All the residents shared memories and talked about the Coronation.

“They loved the singing and could still remember all the words to the songs. They also liked seeing the staff and actors dressed in the period costumes. The Coronation was a big deal back then. I imagine only one person on the street had a television.”

The residents nibbled on spam fritters, Coronation chicken sandwiches and other traditional foods before they sat down to watch a play called The Queen’s Coronation, and starring broadcaster Helen McDermott.

They will celebrate again on June 5 with a range of retro games including hoop-la, name the teddy and skittles.

Tony Williams, Norse board member and Norfolk county councillor with responsibility for commercial services, said: “These celebrations have created a real buzz among our tenants and residents because Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations means so much to so many people who live with us.

“It also gives people a real excuse to come together, have a sing-song and share stories about what they were doing at the time of The Queen’s accession to the throne.”