Celebrate the passing of Ms Thatcher

[*Bob*]

SIR TWATALOT OF CUNTINGDON

[maxxi]

*Bob* Wrote:

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> I've just heard that 'Saturday' is to be

> permanently renamed 'Thatchurday', which seems

> perfectly reasonable.

As long as we also get a Wackaday when Timmy Mallet dies - though you realise some prick will now be pusing for Septemblair?

[computedshorty]

Royal Hospital Chelsea.

I have over the years been able to be present at the Founder?s Day , invited by my former Old Comrades who were In Pensioners.

I have also been several times in the Guard of Honour at the Streatham Vale Crematorium.

My memory is that we formed at the Royal Hospital, and most went in the hired coach, to the Crematorium, being standing outside the doors of the Crematorium, the mourners had entered the Crematorium , we waited for the coffin to be carried between us.

To my dismay there was no hearse, the side of the coach was opened for the coffin to be taken out of the luggage compartment, the Pole Bearers placed our Regimental Standard upon the coffin and the deceased Tricorn Hat a Wreath and medals.

Later we returned to the Royal Hospital for the Wake in the Pensioners Bar.

To my knowledge there ashes were disposed of by the relatives.

I am aware that Margaret Thatcher was always in the audience as the picture shows her sitting in the front row, she also attended the Sunday Service in the Hospital Chapel, the new Infirmary bears her name.

I wonder will her coffin arrive by coach?

[computedshorty]

Chelsea Hospital 2002

Now is the time that the Chelsea Pensioners become more in the eye of the public.

Does the general public know what they are or what they do now?

You will see them at the Cenotaph, and Marching down the stairs of the Royal Albert Hall.

The scarlet Uniform is only worn on Parades whilst within the Hospital or outside the Hospital.

Their normal dress is more informal Blue with cap inside the boundaries of the Hospital.

I have over the years become familiar with many of the Pensioners, I have also through attending so many parades been offered to attend many more, so many that I cant go to them all.

There are frequent invitations to take part in Parades with the Royal Family present, and be seated on a close table at the Luncheon.

I had thought that as I was there, I would when I got home write a short report of the proceedings and send to those that could not be there I have done this and sent them to old comrades of my own Regiment, these seem to be well received, but now those men have nearly all passed to the Green fields so I do not do it now.

These might be of interest to members.

This is one of my reports;

Chelsea Founders Day 7th June 2002

The only official Parade of the In-Pensioners of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, is to commemorate the founding of the Royal Hospital, by King Charles 11. This year the salute was taken by His Royal Highness Prince Michael.

It had been raining , as we took our seats in the raised stands the seat had an inch of rainwater in the cupped seat, as it was fixed down the water had to be removed by hand, the rain stopped for the ceremony, the Trumpeters came out onto the balcony, six each side, one later collapsed and was taken away, the Band played the Pensioners came on Parade waiting for the Royal Party, unfortunately one of these also became unwell and was wheeled off in a wheelchair.

Prince Michael arrived onto the Parade Ground, having called into the Infirmary to see the less able Pensioners, The Fanfare by the Trumpeters, and the inspection of the Pensioners formed up in four Companies in the Figure Court, pausing to speak to those sitting behind who were unable to stand for the Parade, I was particularly pleased that he spent some time talking to my Ex Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Major, Tom Parnell, who we had come to see.

I think that the most moving part of the Parade is the very slow March to the tune of "The Old Brigade" this brings a standing ovation from the assembly, it never ceases to bring a lump to my throat, it is now that an unusual salute is given by the left hand as they counter march past the saluting base, as they pass the Golden band on the pocket flap of their scarlet coat denoting that this person holds a post of responsibility within the Hospital.

Prince Michael, gave a well received speech, then unveiled the Statue of Charles the 11, that had been renovated and painted a brilliant gold, by the sculptor Andy Mitchell. Prince Michael left the Parade. The Pensioners were dismissed.

Now the time to meet your pensioner, and of course all those you have got to know while attending other Parades, get your Packed Lunch , Hot Dog , or Hamburger, now the beer tent, find enough seats in one of the Marquee's and settle to catch up on all that has passed since you last met, the band plays all the favourite Military Music.

My own observations are toward two men in Blazers who I must say were wearing the biggest display of Medals I have ever seen, on both sides, not just Medals but Badges of anything they had ever belonged to, some I suspect might bare a simulararity to the yearly clasp from Butlins from 1950 to 1972, I doubt that should they have been able to obtain a replica of Kenny Everett's four foot wide jacket there would have been room to put on the Golly Badge, these exhibitionists being only visitors did not , I am glad to say get any attention from the ex servicemen there, as they retreated to a empty table and remained alone, looking at a very very old Pensioner standing in the heavy rain, who it turned out had come from the infirmary wearing his pyjama trousers six inches short , in his scarlet coat and Blue Cap, he was waiting for his visitors (Who would never come) as he had probably outlived them, constantly smiled as he got soaked, he gave a glance in my direction the non seeing glance I had seen by my own brother with Dementia, this man is more important to me than a hundred exhibitionists!

The man was taken into the Marquee by some of the ladies on an other table and made a welcome to him and posed with him for a photo, I think it made his day.

The rain fell heavy keeping the visitors inside, now with a disco to replace the band, a visit to the Museum is a must, funny how many men bought the red apron with the Pensioners on it, I suspect they will be wearing it themselves, lots of god souvenirs, and books, and see a grand model of the Royal Hospital, when it was built in 1692.

The Chapel is also an interesting building, and the Dining Hall, and the Pensioners rooms these are called Berths, and what is The Chelsea Chest ? This is their stomach best when filled!

Reluctantly we had to leave, just then someone with a portable radio shouted "We have won " this was the Football Match against Argentina, perhaps I might be exaggerating when I say men jumped to their feet who had not stood for years and cheered, well it seemed to me anyway, what a high note to leave our friends, "See you next year" God Willing. I do hope our visit has given some pleasure to Our Old Comrades, I am looking forward to next year already.

?Computedshorty?

[malumbu]

A close member of my family died on Saturday. This brought it home to me all the sycophantic nonsense that has gone on since MT's death and worse still the obsenity of a (in all but name) state funeral.

Now I can't say a good thing about the ex PM but just wish we had had a day or two of debate, and then had a private and quiet funeral.

I will be bearing my arse cycling into work tomorrow. After which I will be thinking about my own mother's funeral a week on Friday.

I'll not be looking at this thread again. RIP my kind, loving and compassionate mother.

[stacey-lyn]

The solitary Coal not Dole flyer posted near ED Station looked quite forlorn. . .

[Mike Dodd]

thought the song ,The wicked witch is dead was about maggie T not Vicanna

[the-e-dealer]

HAS THE PASSING FINISHED YET?

[Jessie]

all over now, thankfully. Though as David Cameron said today, Thatcherism is still alive and kicking (I paraphrase; forgive me right wing EDFers).

[the-e-dealer]

The Cistern cant be full. There's Still restospectives on TV. Maybe a quick double flush at 9.00?

[Jessie]

Ugh

[the-e-dealer]

THE POSTER SAYING

THE LADY'S NOT RETURNING

Inspired

[rgutsell]

Thank God thats over.

Just think; at the drop of a hat, without agreement from the state or its representatives, a Private funeral (for that is what it was folks!) was allocated about ?10 mill, substantial police presence, devoted media attention, roads closed, security "measures", threats from the police to pre-emptively arrest sections of the population, the involvement of the forces and the presence of reps from other states. Not Argentina though...that would have taken intelligence and forgiveness.

Thatchers family should have paid for it all.

Meanwhile, the rest of us have to "Live with austerity".

It happened because a significant faction of people, installed in Government and other positions, wanted it, and assumed it would happen. It was a demonstration of "class" and "party". It shows (IMOP) that far from being reformed, Government remains separatist and elitist.

Ok, rant over.

Now then, where will the statue to the nasty old bird be put up?

Yours

Rgutsell

[the-e-dealer]

The media seem to think we are all wearing black arm bands. Hats off to ITV who didn't show the whole funeral.

[stacey-lyn]

rgutsell Wrote:

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> Just think; at the drop of a hat, without

> agreement from the state or its representatives, a

> Private funeral (for that is what it was folks!)

> was allocated about ?10 mill,

budget earmarked & also signed off by prior Labour govts

>substantial police

> presence,

pretty much mandatory at any 'event' nowadays given the threat of psychopaths attempting a Boston

>devoted media attention, roads closed,

> security "measures",

as expected

>threats from the police to

> pre-emptively arrest sections of the population,

not a single arrest. . .

> the involvement of the forces and the presence of

> reps from other states.

also as expected

>Not Argentina

> though...that would have taken intelligence and

> forgiveness.

Se?ora Kirchner's not for turning.

[Santerme]

rgutsell Wrote:

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

> Thank God thats over.

>

> Just think; at the drop of a hat, without

> agreement from the state or its representatives, a

> Private funeral (for that is what it was folks!)

> was allocated about ?10 mill, substantial police

> presence, devoted media attention, roads closed,

> security "measures", threats from the police to

> pre-emptively arrest sections of the population,

> the involvement of the forces and the presence of

> reps from other states. Not Argentina

> though...that would have taken intelligence and

> forgiveness.

>

> Thatchers family should have paid for it all.

>

> Meanwhile, the rest of us have to "Live with

> austerity".

>

> It happened because a significant faction of

> people, installed in Government and other

> positions, wanted it, and assumed it would happen.

> It was a demonstration of "class" and "party". It

> shows (IMOP) that far from being reformed,

> Government remains separatist and elitist.

>

> Ok, rant over.

>

> Now then, where will the statue to the nasty old

> bird be put up?

>

> Yours

>

> Rgutsell

We are now spiralling past boredom to the depths of ennui....

[woodrot]

enough.

if someone could start another blates trolltasrtic /strawman heavy argument in a new thread, then we can move on to pastures new.

[uncleglen]

Thatcherism is 'trying to redress the balance after a spendthrift Labour administration'- therefore Thatcherism will live on ad infinitum.

[maxxi]

woodrot Wrote:

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> enough.

>

> if someone could start another blates trolltasrtic

> /strawman heavy argument in a new thread, then we

> can move on to pastures new.

or even a trolltantric one where you almost rise to the bait and are on the verge of posting on it, in fact you do all but post on it.. but... you just ..don't...quite...

[RosieH]

you're doing it wrong

[maxxi]

RosieH Wrote:

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> you're doing it wrong

What every man has heard from a woman at least once in his life...

[LadyDeliah]

Is it safe to turn on Radio 4 again yet?

[the-e-dealer]

Yes there was a play and the archers thaggy not mentioned. You know if the media hadn't started by saying Thatcher Was Universally admired and a Saint they backlash wouldn't have happened so strongly but it was like when we told the Queen Mother was the worlds favourite grandmother. Yuk! Anyone got two spare fingers for my throat?

[LadyDeliah]

I'd be glad to oblige :-)

[Loz]

maxxi Wrote:

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> RosieH Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > you're doing it wrong

>

> What every man has heard from a woman at least once in his life...

Once? In his life?