That Diamond Jubilee

A further reflection on what has clearly been a wonderful occasion.

Last Sunday, I published a piece about The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  Today, I wanted to add a couple of perspectives to this glorious and historic event.

The grand perspective

As seen by someone watching the 1,000 boats on the River Thames to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Then in stark contrast …

The local perspective

… as seen by the camera’s eye in the little village of Littlehempston, South Devon with many of the population of some 200 persons in front of Littlehempston Church.

Picture by Neil Kelly, standing to the right of John, see footnote.

Footnote: Not only is Littlehempston just a few miles from the village of Harberton where I used to live, before my new life with Jean here in Arizona, but both my sister and brother-in-law are in this photo; my sister, Corinne, is the first woman in from the right in the front row, and my brother-in-law, John, is standing just behind her (wearing the white hat).

Update:

Neil sent me a further picture below of the village beacon alight for the Jubilee.

Littlehempston’s Jubilee Beacon

 

6 thoughts on “That Diamond Jubilee”

  1. Since faraway from the capital, I find the local perspective, to be the more truly glorious one.

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    1. Dear Per, you are correct, of course, and despite the British being culturally conservative and wary of strangers, they make very strong rural communities. Paul

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  2. It was a great day I think Paul in most parts of the UK.. Shame about the weather on Sunday and the rain as the boats on the Thames went by… I cannot imagine many 86 yr olds standing for 4 hours in Cool wet weather and still smiling!…
    I was able to take some of those I support to the local Village Hall where they watched the days events on a Huge Screen.. And a big party for the children was held… A great day ALL round.. 🙂

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    1. Hi Sue, Jean and I watched the BBC highlights of the Jubilee Concert in The Mall. Talk about impressive! And all flawlessly executed. It has been the most memorable event. Paul

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  3. Paul,
    Thanks so much for sharing, what a beautiful celebration! Truly something to be proud of, and it’s only fitting that we carry a love for our Mother Country. I’m sure this tugged at your and Jean’s heartstrings and made you both a wee bit homesick.

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