Street party to celebrate Milton Keynes couple's Platinum Wedding Anniversary (C) Marc Moggridge professional photographerStreet party to celebrate Milton Keynes couple's Platinum Wedding Anniversary (C) Marc Moggridge professional photographer
Street party to celebrate Milton Keynes couple's Platinum Wedding Anniversary (C) Marc Moggridge professional photographer

Street party to celebrate Milton Keynes couple's Platinum Wedding Anniversary

Residents of a street in Milton Keynes have all been involved in a huge surprise 70th Platinum wedding anniversary for their fellow neighbours Tony and Hilda Crook.

It all started on VE day when the residents decided to have a street party in Arundel Grove, in Bletchley, it was a great day and residents said it brought the community together and got all the neighbours talking to each other, and they went on to create a Whatsapp group for community events. Tony Crook told Gary Robbins that him and his wife would be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary in June, Gary spoke to all the residents and they decided to organise a collection from everyone in Arundel Grove, and hold a surprise party for Tony and Hilda. Tony, 91, and Hilda, 88, got married on June 17 1950, and have been in Arundel Grove since 1955. One resident said: “Tony and Hilda are such a wonderful caring couple who are so kind hearted and are always there if you want to borrow a hammer or tool and Hilda is always ready if you need a button sewing.” Party and event planner Scott Maynard, one of the residents, got everyone in the street involved, even down to Tony and Hilda's family coming over on the day with a photographer to keep them occupied in their garden whilst the residents of put the party together. Scott said: "We put out a huge gazebo, decorated it, put out tables for snacks and food that each household provided, and of course socially distancing signs in place. This all took military precision and perfect timing and we only had about 30 mins to get everything ready in place for the big surprise, there was even huge balloons in the names of Tony and Hilda that were generously supplied from a local company Events by Kate and Lou. Then the big moment came where Tony and Hilda opened their door to a huge round of applause and ‘Congratulations’ song being played, they were absolutely blown away , they couldn’t believe it. Hilda said: "I saw the gazebo being put up on Gary’s drive, and thought he’s going to have a good party later! But I didn’t put two and two together." Mags Bateman, who has lived on the street all her life, read out some lovely words about Hilda and Tony and it was a touching moment with some tears being shed all round. Scott added: "Tony and Hilda were ushered over to the gazebo were they were presented with their gifts from the whole street which was a wooden seat and table which even had a personalised plaque for them, and were also presented with some flowers and a frame with a picture of themselves enjoying VE day. Everyone then had a great anniversary party and were careful to be socially distancing and enjoyed food and drinks and even some Mr Whippy ice creams with personalised edible wafers with Tony and Hilda on them. It was such a lovely day, very emotional for everyone, they were really touched by it. I think it's great that we have been able to get to know our community, that is one of the good things to come out of these difficult times, we are hoping to do this more. It was a really great day and brought the community together, it was amazing." Tony and Hilda then went on to cut their cake and said: "A huge thanks to all the residents of Arundel Grove who all came together to make this wonderful event happen, it was a day they would never forget."

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