I would have been about five when the King, George VI, died, but not surprisingly, I don’t remember anything about it. However, I do remember the coronation of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953.

We didn’t have a television at the time so we went to our next door neighbour’s house to watch it on “Auntie Momo’s” television. Of course, the TV was in black and white and quite small compared to the huge ones that are available now.

I remember being awed at the pageantry of the ceremony, the wonderful gown with such a long train that the Queen wore and the impressive crown that she was crowned with. I don’t remember the coach and horses that took the Queen to and from Westminster Abbey. Perhaps we only watched the actual service. It did take a long time and after all we were in a neighbour’s home.

The village of Follifoot celebrated the coronation. The part I remember the most about was the fancy dress parade. I and two of my younger sisters took part, my youngest sister was still a baby. Mum had made rosettes out of red, white and blue crepe paper and attached them to our dresses. I was very impressed with the twin boys who were dressed as Grenadier Guards, looking very smart in their red uniforms.

For the judging we paraded on the lawns in front of Rudding Gates. I remember the iron railings round the lawns, long since gone. We were all given a mug with an illustration of the Queen on it. I still have mine.