Why so miserable?
My younger sister and I are all togged up in our fancy dress outfits for the Coronation Day Party at RAF Marham, Norfolk. The weather is already looking pretty dull and indeed it soon poured down and the afternoon family sports had to be postponed. We did enjoy the children's party though. I didn't win anything - in fact I had to keep explaining what I was supposed to be, much to my mother's chagrin as she was very proud of her dressmaking skills.
I didn't score on the special coronation gifts given out either. Because of my foreign name I was mistakenly marked down for a boy 's gift ( an exciting penknife) but my father later returned it and it was replaced by a really awful gilt brooch with a photo portrait of the new queen. I soon 'lost' it. And though I've seen many similar Coronation penknives for sale on vintage sites, I never seen another queenie brooch so perhaps all the other girls of my age also quickly disposed of theirs.
( Can you guess what I'm supposed to be - I'm the taller girl. It might be helpful to bear in mind that my hair was actually much lighter - mousey blond/brown and not as dark as it looks here.)
Back to 2012 and there is a great mood of celebration around here. It really lifts the spirits, even if you're not a monarchist. My local town and all the villages about are festooned in union jack bunting and flags. The doors and windows of every shop and business whether large multinationals or small independents are decorated in celebratory colours and displays - even the Co-op funeral directors.
We're not doing anything special for the Jubilee this weekend, though we may go along and join in the town celebrations on Sunday as there's a whole programme of events. Number One son and friends who live in London, are planning to walk over to Battersea to watch the River Pageant as they think it is a once in a lifetime spectacular not to be missed. Though sadly heavy rain is forecast locally - mmmn sounds familiar! But we'll watch on our HD digital TV; rather a better view than the 'snowy' flickering black and white picture I saw on a neighbour's tiny screen in 1953.
What are you planning for the four day Jubilee weekend?
I think you were a little Dutch girl. Do I win a prize if I'm right? ;)
ReplyDeleteYES! You certainly win a prize Deb. There are so many fun Jubilee souvenirs around here and I shall have great pleasure in choosing one for you. Whoo-hoo!
DeleteWhat a wonderful picture.
ReplyDeleteToday we watched the Olympic Flame go through our town/village, tomorrow and Sunday I will be ambling through town with my mum and the kids as my husband is away on a coast to coast bike ride.
On Monday there is a street party which I am looking forward to - especially getting to know the neighbours.
Whatever you do, I hope you have a lovely time.
Oh thank you!
DeleteThe Olympic Flame has two goes at Salisbury. It arrives on the evening of the 11th July just 1/4 mile from my mother's old flat and starts out again the next morning from Salisbury Cathedral Close which is about 300 yards from my house. I shall be out to see and watch it, but feel that the Jubilee has united more of us in a very English flurry of warmth towards the Queen, reflected by a pride in our nation and lots of spontaneous celebrations without fear of legal action as compared with the over-hyped Olympics. Have fun at your street party - none near me in the city centre sadly.
Gorgeous picture, were you meant to be a Dutch Girl by any chance? Have a wonderful weekend, we are getting our flags out in readiness.
ReplyDeleteJo xx
Jo - why does everyone in 2012 know my outfit but hardly anyone in 1953? My mother said it was because she had made an 'authentic' hat which looked very different from the usual way Dutch girl's hats were depicted in those days. All I know is that I was very embarrassed and wished I could have had the pretty kimono and parasol that my (black-haired) sister wore. Wishing you fun at your celebrations and hope to see you at the RAG in Frome!Cx
DeleteI would recognise a Dutch costume is your sister dressed as Japanese?
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxxx