Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

2002 Events

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Queening Out

My pal Rob sent in this report of Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee. Here's what he had to say about this once in a lifetime event.

"I am recovering! It turned out to be a hectic few days of celebrations. I have never ever seen so many flags of both the Union Jack and flag of St. George all over the place - dangling out of peoples windows at home, shop windows, car aerials - from every available flagpole - even little Teddington is awash with red white and blue. Went to church on Sunday, I am begining to really like this Anglican church - not just because it is so pretty - but the priest says what he thinks - a great sermon on cancelling third world debt and for drug companies to make AIDS drugs cheaper for African countries. Who would have thought it - such a militant amongst the blue rinse brigade. Monday woke up, changed my mind - and decided that even if no one wanted to go with me - I would go to the Party at the Palace on my own. I had the tickets after all. It was a pity I had no one to go with - pity you couldn`t be here. We would have had quite a laugh. It was busy getting into town - trains were all packed. I walked from Waterloo to the Palace. Lots of people out and about - and in such good spirits. Entered into the Palace - security was tight but all quite jovial. A lovely blond soldier searched me - and I kept wanting him to frisk me again. Got our picnic pack - Jubilee Chicken, dressed crab salad, cheese and tomato and prawn sandwiches, strawberry tart, half a bottle of champagne and vouchers for wine. No wonder everyone was so jolly. I had seats just three rows back from the stage in the centre. Great view. Such an excellent concert - I loved it all. Brain May played the National Anthem on the guitar from the roof - and we were off. Then on stage Ricky Martin - and within minutes the whole place was standing and cheering - singing along. Old, young and everyone in between. Such a spectacular concert - and such a range of stars, Annie Lennox, Shirley Bassey, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart amongst others. - all fast moving. Varied and Spectacular. Couldn`t believe it when it was all over. Started at 7.30pm and was still going strong at 11pm. Best concert I have ever been to. Prince Charles did his `mummy` speach and everyone went wild. Then it was the fireworks - which just took my breath away - perfectly synchronised to the music - amazing. I was staring in absolute wonder. Over a million people were outside the Palace watching from giant screens - so it took ages to get out and anywhere near Waterloo. But everyone was singing, hugging and dancing in the street. I bought a hot roast pork roll from a hog roast and just savoured in the moment. A totally amazing and probably unique experience. Yesterday - it was the street party in Teddington. Tables and chairs down the middle of the street. Red white and blue bunting criss crossing the street. Flags everywhere. An assortment of bands and choirs singing and playing. Fancy dress competition. Tossing hay bales, wheelbarrow racing, sack races, pram racing, tombola, a pig roast. The church had a flower arranging competition with the theme of a Jubilee Celebration. The church was jam packed full of flower arrangements. The smell was incredible. Mead and cider (both quite foul) - loads of beer, (real ale), which was just wonderful. Sausages on sticks. Fish and chips. Loads of food and drink - and all free!! No wonder I am having to take it easy to-day. Goodness knows what time I got to bed. USA 3-0 up against Portugal in the football. Who would have thought that! Have a good day, Take care, xoox, Rob"