Seventy years as Queen, Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history. I think the Queen is amazing, she’s ninety six years old and still serving her country. Some people moaned that she didn’t attend all the events over the jubilee weekend, well I wonder if those whinging curmudgeons will be able to do half of what she does if they reach such a ripe old age.
It was fabulous to see the country bedecked with flags. We should be like other countries that proudly display their flags everywhere. The politically correct brigade ‘don’t want to offend’ anyone so we don’t put flags up. Well, I’m offended by the lack of pride in our own country. But, moaning aside, it was great to see London swamped in union flags. I joined in with people who put flags up on their houses. Just a little bit of bunting made everyone smile.
On the Friday I was working in Hyde, we put up bunting and we had a jubilee buffet.
I wore my inflatable crown and a flag as a cloak. When I introduced myself to donors I said, “My name’s Belinda, but you can call me ma’am.”
We ate far too much at lunchtime, I would have liked a little nana nap, but we had a few pints to bag. I have to say that Laura’s homemade cake was delicious.
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, it was perfect for a swim down at Salford Quays. Victoria and I were the only two who dressed up for the occasion.
The water was a fresh fifteen degrees of loveliness. We decided not to go for distance, but to just enjoy the swim and take some jubilee photos.
I was disappointed that they weren’t flying the flag at the dock and when I queried it I was told that although they love the Queen they have serious issues with Andrew. I agree with all the arguments against that man, but the jubilee isn’t about him and by ignoring it you make it about him. There was a Ukrainian flag flying, there should have been a union flag flying too. The jubilee isn’t about politics, it isn’t about Andrew, it is a celebration of seventy years of our monarch. So Victoria and I raised the red, white and blue instead.
Many of the swimmers stopped and commented on our crowns and flags. We made people smile, which is what you want on a sunny, Saturday morning.
Lots of people had street parties and barbecues and afternoon teas. I met up with friends for a Platty Jube afternoon tea.
We had homemade scones and cake washed down with a glass or three of fizz.
What better way to celebrate the Jubilee than eating cake and swigging fizz with friends in the sunshine.
I remember when the Queen came to visit Worsley in 1968. I say I remember, I have a fleeting memory of looking through the railings alongside the road and cheering when a large black car drove slowly by. I was only just three!
Queen Victoria also visited Worsley and stepped off her boat into the steps of the Packet House. I wonder if our future King will pay us a visit in the future.
One of the most touching moments of the jubilee was when the Queen ‘met’ Paddington Bear. What a beautiful little cameo.
need2bleed 