IT is no surprise that York people are less willing to stage street parties to mark the Golden Jubilee than they were during the Coronation or Silver Jubilee.

Times have changed. The age of deference is over.

This diminished enthusiasm does not reflect on the Queen, although the fact that she is not visiting this area during the year may have had an effect.

The nation still holds the Queen in high esteem. It is just that the opportunities for celebration and enjoyment these days are far greater.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, March 07, 2002