Queen Elizabeth?s Diamond Jubilee

[Veejay]

The celebration this year of Queen Elizabeth?s 60 years on the throne takes me back to her coronation. Although Princess Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen on the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952, her coronation did not take place until 2 June 1953 because of the months of planning and preparation that were required. I remember being one of the hundreds of schoolchildren, dressed in red, white and blue, lining the streets in Dulwich Village as the Queen?s procession came through. My parents and I were fortunate in being able to watch the coronation ceremony itself on our very first television, bought for the purpose (black and white, of course!). We invited into our home those of our neighbours who didn?t yet own a TV to share the experience with us. Of course, the Queen?s grandmother, Queen Mary, had been a frequent visitor to Dulwich Park, since she came to ED in May every year to see the rhododendrons in all their splendour. Although she lived to see her granddaughter ascend to the throne, sadly she died at the age of 85 on 24 March 1953, before the coronation. Since very few people owned a TV but many listened to the radio (then called the wireless), the BBC interrupted the Light and Third programmes to break the news of Queen Mary?s death to the nation. Does anyone share these memories with me?

[ibilly99]

My mum - god rest her soul - came down from Preston and slept out opposite Westminster Abeey to watch it at first hand with a friend. I imagine most people were royalists back then. On a related point I have a certain grudging repsect for the Royals - their kids serve in the arm forces and go and active service which is more than be said for our ele4cted PM's.

[Marmora Man]

Illybilly - there are a number of MPs that have served in the Armed Forces and others who are Territorial Army or other reservists. Your criticism of MPs for not being in the Armed Forces is illogical - they've chosen a job - a situation that generally which precludes holding down another job.

[Veejay]

Well said, Marmora Man. I'm glad someone is engaging in serious discussion. There's nothing wrong with holding differing opinions since it makes for an entertaining debate as long as each speaker is able to justify his/her views with logical reasoning.

[????]

There's nothing wrong with holding differing opinions since it makes for an entertaining debate as long as each speaker is able to justify his/her views with logical reasoning.

...you're gonna love it here

[red devil]

???? Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> There's nothing wrong with holding differing

> opinions since it makes for an entertaining debate

> as long as each speaker is able to justify his/her

> views with logical reasoning.

>

> ...you're gonna love it here

:))