Eternal Refuge

So, as promised .... here is my London Post #4

In England we keep the 2nd Sunday of November as Remembrance Sunday, as well as actually on the 11th, as well.  This year was the first year that The Queen would not be laying a wreath.  Prince Philip had pulled out, but at the age of 95 and wearing full dress uniform complete with sword, it can't be easy to walk backwards off the steps.  The Queen opted to stay with him, but again it's not the easiest manouver.

Therefore the security was greater this year ... complete with face recognition photography, scans and extra police .... as well as bag searches.  However, as you will see, the Queen was much more visible than she had been in the past.

Still, as well as seeing her, it was lovely to be part of our national memorial.


( Two minutes silence )

This afternoon I was stuck in traffic for a short time not far from where I live (I was taking Jiffy for his annual jab).  Anyway, 2 things I saw amused me.  I see them all the time, but today I am obviously warped ....

1)    They are building a new retirement complex ... backing onto the crematorium!!!   (They obviously don't expect people to have a long retirement!)

2)   Just across from the hos[ital is a small parade of shops.  5 shops, 2 of them are funeral directors   (They obviously don't trust the doctors!!)

Well, as I said - madness abounds today!

~~~~~~

On a more normal note, let me wish Queen Elizabeth a lovely 91st birthday.

50 - Someone who fascinates you and why?

No one in particular.  Although some of the great commanders of the centuries.  People like Nelson, Napolean, Sir Francis Drake, Winston Churchill, etc.  How did those men manage to gain the followings that they did ... and to be able to change and adapt as the conflicts progressed.

And all without Google!



51 - Who would you love to trade places with for a day and why?

The Queen's personal secretary/bodyguard.

To follow in Her Majesty's footsteps for a day.  To see her work, keep up to date, etc.



The list of 365 questions can be found here

The Queen has marked Maundy Thursday with a moving ceremony, reducing members of the congregation to tears as she handed out commemorative coins.

The monarch beamed as she undertook the tradition of giving red and white purses containing Maundy money to pensioners, who were chosen in recognition of their service to the community and the Church.

The Queen was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh for the Royal Maundy service, which was held in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the first time since 1959.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after the Royal Maundy service


She wore a turquoise wool crepe dress and turquoise tweed coat by Karl Ludwig and a matching hat with a lace trim by Angela Kelly.

The service broke from tradition to mark the Queen's upcoming 90th birthday.

Some 90 men and 90 women received Maundy Money - each coin representing one of the monarch's years - and were selected from across the country, not the local diocese as is usual.

The Queen handed two purses - one white and one red - to each person during a procession of the Chapel, while the choir sang.

Recipients and their guests could be seen wiping away tears after spending a brief moment with the monarch.

The red purse contained a £5 coin commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday and a 50p coin marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, while the white purse contained uniquely minted Maundy coins, equating in pence to her age.

Among the 180 recipients was Tim O'Donovan, 84, who has authored the annual survey of Royal Family engagements published in The Times since 1979.

Mr O'Donovan, who is also a retired lay steward for St George's Chapel, said he began keeping the record "out of curiosity" after thinking "perhaps one should know what the Royal Family are doing".

He said it was a "privilege" and "marvellous" to be part of the service, instead of watching on.

The bells of the Chapel rang out as the Queen's procession, which included the Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend David David Conner and the Lord High Almoner, the Right Reverend John Inge, left the service.

Excited well-wishers cheered as the group posed on the steps of the Chapel for photos.

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.

It appears to have been custom for members of the Royal Family to take part in the service since the 13th century, the Royal Mint said.

The Queen marked Maundy Thursday by distributing commemorative coins to 90 men and 90 women - each representing one of her 90 years. The 180 recipients of the Maundy money are retired pensioners who were recommended in recognition of their service to the Church and community

The service was held in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the first time since 1959. The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.


© Mail online

When I trained to be an osteopath I spent 4 years commuting each day to London ... for the first year my college was near Buckingham Palace, and then it moved to Trafalgar Square.  Each nice lunchtime we used to go to St James Park.  The first year we had the advantage of hearing the Bands play (until the IRA bombing) and one winter we even built a snowman there.

So these photos bring back a host of memories, as well as being fantastic places to visit.

( Wandering round the Queens driveway )

Comments by ZingerBug.com

Congratulations Your Majesty .... 60 years ago today here were my parents -



(in the crowd!), and the phrase used a lot at the time was "Long may she *rain*" ... mum and dad got soaked, but had a memorable day.

Today the sun has shone and I am sure there were a lot of special memories going though many people's minds.

Mine has been pretty good - but very cold!

I have (at long last) begun to feel better - actually staying awake till 10, rather than falling asleep at 7 as I had done for weeks now.

Did 3 shifts at work (in the same department) - a clinic, so no patient continuity.  On Tuesday I had my annual update training day ... 2 years on, which was hard to realise that I had been at the hospital that long.  So a busy 4 days - then today I took the day off to meet my friend form Church as it's her birthday today.  She came over on the bus and we drove into Sidmouth, had lunch and a walk.  It was freezing cold, but we were both glad we had made the effort rather than just waste the day.  (Photos to follow)

I also heard yesterday that I had got a ticket to attend the 175th Anniversary Services of the Christian charity SASRA (Soldiers and Airmen Scripture Readers Association)  - I have supported the charity since being a teenager so was nice to know that I was offered the chance of a place at the service, which is in The Guards Chapel in London ... and, the Queen will be attending!)  So I am excited about that event - it is wonderful to think of the charity working that long, but the event will be something special - I now have to work out what to wear!!  (Sad thing is that I am not allowed to even have my camera near the event ... but the memories will be special)

Well Friday evening and so a chance to get some icons made ... so I had better get busy!

As I said I caught the boat down to Westminster - and the first sight I had was of Boadicea ... an English Queen, who certainly knew how to deal with her enemies (when you see that chariot!!)

( A Queen with attitude )

From there it was a short walk across the road to St Margaret's Church, and the churchyard. This time of year it is full of poppies ... The Thursday before Rememberance Sunday there is a dedication service for the filed of rememberance, which each regiment has it's own plot. For 15 consecutive years I attended the service and met with friends from my grandfather's regiment. This year I was able spend a few minutes of peace at The Nortamptonshire Regiment, and remember my grandfather's 4 years in WWI ... and my friends time serving in the same regiment during WWII. I also spent a moment at the Home Guard plot, to remember those who served (like my dad), but especially those who died.

( Spend a moment to remember )


( It was good to see the amazing buildings around Parliament Square )


From there it was just a short(ish) walk to The Cenotaph. On the day that the unknown warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey, the kit from my (other) grandfather was carried on the coffin, as he was in the Coldstream Guards, as his kit was chosen at random by the person organising the parade.

This day it was the Cenotaph, complete with wreathes ... including the Royal Family.

( A final moment of reflection )

Hoping you are still all enjoying my tour round London.

I decided to ask someone elas for 7 words to talk about in this meme thingy.  edenskye gave me -

1. Faith (religious beliefs not vampire slayer LOL)
2. James Marsters
3. Jiffy
4. family
5. Queen Lizzie 2.0 (as Jamie calls her)
6. Classic Movies
7. Clarinet


( And here is the long rambling answer )

Well, congratulations if you read even half of those! Thank you, Tommy, they were some great subjects.

Happy weekend everyone.

Wow what a Bank Holiday weekend.

Yes, I waved my Union Flag (I had one on the car as well) ... it was great to wach the events, although sad to see the weather turn as it did (but to be expected in England!!).

I watched all the River Boat Pageant ... great, despite the weather. Saw all the concert, the last half I watched with Mum & Dad ... and watched the service this morning and the carriage ride this afternoon.

So proud to be English.

One of the bands, Madness, at the concert, Monday night.



(Yes, on Buckingham Palace!)

So, now I am back in Exeter and tomorrow another day "off" .... but I want to get some decorating done. I am about 1/2 way through my bedroom so want to get that mostly finished, if I can.

Now I have a meme snagged from kudagirl  and a promise that I will be a better friend again ... post my holiday pics, and get back on with my 100 meme.



( A Personal Meme )