Street party without streets...

THE fact that Herm doesn't technically have any streets didn't stop us from holding a 'street' party to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The central courtyard in the Manor Village was filled with bunting, extra barbecues and picnic benches to accommodate the patriotic revellers.

With the holiday cottages full for half-term, many guests joined residents for the party, making it nice and busy.

Although the weather wasn't brilliant it didn't put too much of a dampener on things and the buffet tables, full of lovely home-made pastries, salads and cakes, helped to keep everyone happy.

All the children were turned out beautifully in regal style for a fancy dress competition. It was very entertaining to see mini versions of the royal family and even a couple of corgis. There were three top prizes but no one went away empty handed, with little gifts for all who participated.

The following night we gathered again for the lighting of the beacon. Even though it was late, a large group met in the courtyard for a torchlight procession down the Spine Road, across the common, down Fisherman's Path and along to the harbour beach.

There we joined waiting hotel guests, making for a good crowd.

I'm not sure when such a large group last met on this beach at that time of night, but it certainly felt like a unique occasion.

Dozens of people lined the harbour wall for a perfect view of beacons on Herm, Guernsey and Jethou. The beacon was lit at 10.21, the same time as those on the other islands, nine minutes before the Queen lit the official beacon in London.

It was a lovely way to mark the occasion and something the children will always remember.

It's unlikely they will ever again celebrate 60 years of a monarch on the throne, or light a beacon on the beach under a night sky coloured by fireworks.