What a very good year.
ScuzzBlog: Diaries September 2022
Entry 15th September 2022: Post 1: My two-penneths ... or is it two bobs worth.
My two-penneths ... or is it two bobs worth.
I like many in this country have been blessed to have lived in
an era served by one head of state... Queen Elizabeth II. She
carried out her duties tirelessly and diligently. She proved
to be most honest, compassionate and projected herself with
great dignity. Truly a great woman.
It should be remembered that all those born of privilege and in
high office should dedicate themselves to the challenges that
have been bestowed upon them, to the point of sacrificing their
own private world. Sadly many that attain such privileged posts
are too ready to preoccupy themselves with their own selfish
interests to the detriment of all they serve. This can never be
said about our sadly departed queen. She sacrificed her own
private life and unselfishly gave her all in serving her nation.
For those looking on today as she lies in state they should look
to themselves and ask if they have ever been so selfless.
Anyhoo, the loss of the queen is something I have yet to come to
terms with as I am reminded with so much around me of the giant
of a woman she was. I have my collected stamps and coinage that
have but one figure head and it is difficult to imagine another.
Her life has spanned the four corners of the world and every
decade that I have lived. Seriously.. how can anyone ever compete.
Ar hum.
I read with interest those reflecting on their experiences of the
Queen and I thought I would share one of mine.
It was 1977 and I was working at Walsall Council in the Architects
Department. A guy called Frank O'Keefe head of maintenance asked
me to join him as we walked to the old town hall. The newly built
Civic Offices had a link bridge to the Victorian old town hall
building. On the first floor just along from the main stair Frank
opened the door to the largest single toilet I have ever seen. It
was the Mayor's private WC. Inside was a single cubicle and wash
basins plus seat. Frank explained that at the time of the Queen's
coronation she travelled the length of the country and stopped
off in Walsall to freshen up and have a meal. She plans on doing
the same this time around some twenty five years on.
My job was to draw up a plan of the toilet and upgrade it such
that it was fit for a Queen. No expense spared, and the work was
carried out by the works department.
Closer to the day of the Queen's arrival there was a lottery to
see who would line the walkway from the main entrance all the
way to the toilet. Seriously. I won a place and was given a
spot at the head of the staircase just a few feet from the loo.
How embarrassing for the Queen I thought. We were given instruction
on what we could and couldn't do. We were directed never to touch
the Queen, by handshake and that we should bow and call her 'maam'.
We were to be brief and be most polite.
I waited in anticipation and then to my delight she arrived and
with the Duke of Edinburgh in tow she glided past. She was much
smaller than I imagined but she was simply stunning. It was one
of those moments you simply find surreal. There was no mistaking
this woman as for anything other than a very special lady. I will
never forget the experience, even though the occasion of her visit
was simply to use the loo that I had organised to be decorated.
I for one will miss her greatly. The world is a poorer place for
not having her around.
And finally , I collect stamps. Are you surprised? I collect mostly
definitive stamps and I have a fondness for blocks of stamps. All
my UK stamps carry the Queens head in some form or other. I am
struggling with the concept of Charles' head on a stamp. It just
will not be the same.
Here is a sprinkling of the stamps I have. Too many to show all.
My two-penneths ... or is it two bobs worth.
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Last updated 15th September 2022
Chandraise Kingdom
Keep the Faith
scuzzscink 2022