60 years is a long time

On 2nd June, 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2nd took place.  She had already acceded to the throne in February 1952, on the death of her father, King George 6th, but the mourning period precluded any form of celebration.  When it finally took place, it was certainly an occasion to remember, and was the first coronation ever to be televised.  Norman Hartnell designed all the outfits for the Royal Family, and the Queen’s white silk gown was embroidered with the floral emblem of each of the countries of the then Commonwealth.

60 years on,  England is gearing up for a long weekend of celebration.  I guess we wrote the book on pomp and ceremony.  The water pageant scheduled to take place on the Thames should be truly spectacular.  Local hamlets and village halls are bedecked with bunting.  I’d like to wish everybody a joyful weekend, however they choose to celebrate, or even if they decide to ignore the whole thing.  Personally I’ll be in Hart Village for the lighting of the beacon, and fireworks afterwards.  At some point in the weekend I’ll probably have Coronation Chicken, a favourite of mine, but which I only recently realised was devised in honour of Elizabeth’s coronation.  And of course, I’ll be raising a glass (or two).

I’m trying to keep this post brief (sighs of relief all round) but it seems like a good time to share the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, passed on to me by Francine in Retirement.  What can I tell you about Francine that many of you don’t already know?  She’s a warm hearted lady who gently encourages each of us to fulfill our true potential.

I’ve shared more than enough about me in recent weeks, so intend simply to pass on this award to all the lovely ladies who are kind enough to follow my blog.  How empty would my life be without you!  Please follow the link to Francine’s blog for details, and take up the award as you wish.

It just remains for me to thank Cate of Show My Face for hosting Six word Saturday.  We’d love you to join in – the rules are simple.  I’ll be here again next week.  Take care till then, and have a happy Diamond Jubilee.