FRIENDS and family members joined homeowners at retirement living community Hewson Court to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this week.

A party with fizz, refreshments, and music by local singer and pianist Lauren Barnes took place at the McCarthy Stone development on Dene Avenue in Hexham on Friday (May 27).

Newly-appointed deputy town crier Helen Wearmouth also attended to launch the party.

Hexham Courant: Staff and residents at the party along with deputy town crier Helen Wearmouth, Mayor of Hexham Derek Kennedy and town councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken.Staff and residents at the party along with deputy town crier Helen Wearmouth, Mayor of Hexham Derek Kennedy and town councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken.

Cat Bell, House Manager at Hewson Court, said it was lovely to see their homeowners and loved ones celebrate the historic occasion after the pandemic when many were unable to see others.

She added: "Here at Hewson Court we have people who remember the original coronation.

"A lot of people were also in the armed forces and they are very patriotic."

Hexham Courant: Homeowner Douglas Elsworth enjoying the celebrations.Homeowner Douglas Elsworth enjoying the celebrations.

Homeowner Douglas Elsworth (76) said he enjoyed the event and marking Her Majesty's 70-year reign.

"I'm a royalist," he said. "It's such an achievement, 70 years on the throne."

86-year-old Mary-Louise, another homeowner at Hewson Court, agreed, describing the Queen as "absolutely fantastic".

She added: "It's nice to see people's friends come in."

Mayor Derek Kennedy, who also attended the party, said: “It was lovely to start the Hexham Jubilee celebrations amongst so many people.

"I look forward to meeting as many people as possible in the coming days. Hexham has a lot of parties planned and we welcome everyone to enjoy themselves.”

Hexham Courant: Bill and Isobel Colbeck came to Hewson Court to join the celebrations.Bill and Isobel Colbeck came to Hewson Court to join the celebrations.