Pemberton Road officially recognised as Britain’s Friendliest street 2020. Well done to all living there. A huge thank you to all those who voted. Was there ever any doubt about who would win! More information on a fantastic result to follow.
Click to see the short list of competitors across the UK.
What makes the result particularly pleasing is the enthusiasm of friends and neighbours from around the area who equally keen to record their vote for Britain’s friendliest street 2020. It was a great result for Pemberton Road as well as a great result for Winstanley, Wigan. In short, fantastic to see a recognition of neighbourhood spirit in the north of the country in what has been a challenging time for all. Take a look at the information on the nomination page that helped Pemberton Road win.
Pemberton Road, Winstanley, Wigan
If Carlsberg did neighbours, you’d choose mine.
From the start of lockdown, the street has managed to become a community even living on a long main road.
A WhatsApp group was set up to support all of the neighbours including those self isolating, the elderly and those who live alone. Friendships have been formed and we have lifted each other up during these strange times over social media and the telephone for the less tech savvy. We have learned about the history of our street, previous residents and even the unknown house names. We are also learning about each other, the adults, the children and furry friends.
Overcoming Shopping Issues
Shopping issues aren’t a problem – there are several shout outs a day so if you need anything, it is collected and dropped off at your door. Recent items include pharmacy prescriptions, clotted cream and scones, birthday candles and fruit and veg from the local farm.
On-line Videos
Madness – Our House video co-ordinated by Nikki whose day job is in finance. We had huge amounts of fun making this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFp7xN3QeHg.
Our gorgeous neighbour Robyn did over 40 mini shoots at a distance called ‘Porchraits’ to celebrate VE Day https://www.instagram.com/bobtale_photography/. She wouldn’t take any money so we all contributed to a charity of her choice – AlderHey children’s hospital in Liverpool where street and other donations are over £600 to date.
Entertainment
Mark is our resident Quiz master who takes his entertainment role very seriously – we’ve managed bingo, music, general knowledge all over an app. You can choose to partake in all or none. There’s no pressure and prizes donated by different neighbours for the winners 🙂
Isolation birthdays have been incredible. Neighbours on their daily walk singing happy birthday through the garden gates, posters drawn, the cards made and presents at the end of garden paths have delighted young and old alike.
Co-ordinated window and house displays with rainbows, teddies and VE bunting has delighted the whole neighbourhood who incorporate the road into their daily exercise regimes. Chalkings on the pavement outside my gate allows me to see children and adults of all ages doing hopscotch, star jumps, jumping in circles and hopping. It brings a smile to my face whilst I work at my desk.
Supporting Other Causes
My two posters on the gates from In Good Company have been the topic of conversation. People stop at the gates to chat, take pictures and parents explain to their children what the artwork says and who it is raising money for.
We don’t just do the Thursday clap for the key workers – we have pans and spoons, whistles, fireworks and cheer like crazy to thank those who are going out and doing an extraordinary job. They are all true superheroes in our street’s eyes.
We may not live in a cul de sac or on a huge housing development where you can see each other all the time but Pemberton Road is in my eyes the Friendliest Street in Britain.