The Coronation Memories

Travel Talk

Picture the scene, living rooms all over the country crammed with people  peering at the latest modern invention, a tiny 10’ black and white television!   With the smallest of figures to be seen, and centre stage a lovely young woman, wearing St Edward's Crown, set to officially become Queen, in a centuries old ceremony in Westminster Abbey during the BBC's biggest ever outside broadcast.  An estimated 20 million people watched the ceremony, in 44 languages.  The Queen was just 25 when she replaced her father, George VI as monarch in February 1952, having been married to her gamorous young husband for less than 5 years.  Both our Diamond Jubilee prize winners remember this happening, and they were as far apart as Coventry and East Lothian.
 
Jean Vranic remembers having just moved to a new council flat in Coventry, where the estate she lived on had a fancy dress costume competition for the children.  Jean’s mother made her a majorette’s costume, in soft white material, with gold braid decorations and a tall hat.  Did Shirley Temple wear something like this in a film?  Jean was drilled in baton twirling by her father, until perfection.  And it paid off, she won first prize!  Which sadly, was a doll’s china tea set, not something she wanted at all.  Amazingly, Jean recently came across the gold baton she had twirled, a broom handle and a large wooden knob, all painted gold.  Jean also remembers that the back yard she played in all those years ago had a bomb crater in it, something she had to keep well away from.   The TV she watched the coronation on belonged to a popular local lady, Aunty Jean, whose front room was packed to rafters with neighbours all desperate for a glimpse of the new Queen.
 
It seems that many children were given a mug to celebrate the coronation, with a picture of the Queen on it, and Jennifer Nisbet received one too.  She was 8 at this time, living in Prestonpans, a small mining and industrial town, in Scotland.  And her birthday was in June, so celebrations all round, however the family were moving house, so a party wasn’t possible.  Instead, she was given her own majestic ‘throne’ moment, perched on her father’s armchair, high up on the especially cleaned coal lorry that carried her family’s furniture and goods across town to the new house.  A very special treat!  Jennifer, too, squeezed in to visit a friend to watch their TV in a room packed with people, many of whom had never seen television before.
 
Even though 60 years have passed, the significance of the coronation seems etched in the memories of those who watched it, a day of celebration and the early beginnings of television.  
             
 

134 people found this helpful
17512

Share Article:

Silver Travel Advisor

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.