Royal Memories
The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has brought back many memories for us all. Several of you got in touch with your own remembrances and thoughts on the last few weeks. Some of these contributions are enclosed in this newsletter.
As far as the Friends organisation went, we had little to do except stand back, support, admire and congratulate the Royal Parks staff on the way the long planned arrangements slipped into place and suddenly “our” parks became a focus for the world.
From Friday morning when a 96 gun salute took place, our two parks played a vital role. There were three more gun salutes during the following ten days, large screens erected, flowers laid and then ended with the solemn progress of the hearse through Hyde Park and then Kensington Gardens on its way to Windsor.
The Parks teams couldn’t have done it better.
I nipped (well not quite) in and out, and hope that some of you were able to do the same. Every visit became memorable.
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery performed four gun salutes during the week. Have you noticed how small their horses are? Their riders these days are often young women. Every appearance of the Troop was solemn and moving.
Flowers took over
The numbers of people laying flowers in Hyde Park grew, as Green Park became too crowded and then closed. The contractors made a lovely job of laying them out round trees and in patterns so that they could be seen properly.
Volunteers have been much in evidence, helping visitors to take off plastics and ties and then, for their final journey this week, loading the drays drawn by Shire horses Heath and Nobby.
Among my memories? Standing watching a big screen in the middle of the week, with tens of thousands of others, listening to the huge sound of Big Ben tolling simultaneously with the earth-shaking cannon fire of a salute. And, finally, witnessing the hearse turn out of Kensington Gardens through Queens Gate, the sun sparkling on the crown atop the surprisingly tiny coffin.
MEMBER’S MEMORIES
Queuing for the Lying in State
At noon on the first morning of The Lying in State, an instinctive urge (and a text message from a close friend) led me to join the queue.
For hours I shared memories with strangers. We all felt as if a member of our own family had died. The Queen belonged to all of us; we were grieving together. We shared the same love and respect for the wonderful monarch who had been a constant in all of our lives.
Naturally, my mobile ran out of juice early on. A photo I wish I had been able to take was of a serious young man seated close to the Globe Theatre with a placard saying `A Poem for Free`. I’m sure that had I stopped he would have had myriad gems at the tip of his tongue.
A lasting memory of the day was when a charming walking companion offered me half of his marmalade sandwich made earlier that day. I felt ‘in there’ with Paddington and HM the Queen. Rest in Peace, your Majesty; your subjects are doing you proud.
The gentle crowd-control was impressive. As we approached Westminster Palace, though, the atmosphere changed. We were instructed to dispose of all liquids and foodstuffs and to prepare for airport-style security checks. The bins were oozing.
At last, we walked silently through the entrance. Steeped in history, and creating an atmosphere like no other, the Great Hall is hugely impressive, even when empty.
On the stepped, red-carpeted catafalque, draped in the yellow and red Royal Standard flag, with candles at each corner, stood the coffin, with coronation orb atop, and complete with sceptre and crown. Red-coated Beefeaters and busby-wearing Royal Horse Guardsmen stood with heads bowed, silently guarding their deceased monarch.
We were being gently nudged along, invited not to linger long, but given just enough time to bow, say thank-you and God speed. I walked away with a lump in my throat and close to tears.
Tired from all that walking and waiting? Yes, but so pleased to have witnessed this remarkable piece of history.
As a member of the Friends it was heartening to know that the tribute flowers placed in Green Park will be composted in ‘our’ Hyde Park nursery and used eventually on the Royal Park flower beds.
Thinking of the flowers took me back to the tall Guards-red geranium we were given after our nursery visit; another lump in the throat…
*Jackie King*__
A Royal Memory…
It was in early 2001 that I noted from the Evening Standard that sponsors were being sought by the Hyde Park management for a 75th birthday gift to Her Majesty the Queen of 75 new trees to be planted in Hyde Park beside a pathway close to the Serpentine. I cannot now recall my suggested outlay but it was certainly no more than £100 per individual contributor. I signed up and was immediately invited to attend an event in the park when the HMQ and Prince Philip were to accept the gift.
I even persuaded my elder son to take a couple of hours off work to video his Dad meeting the Queen….
Unfortunately, the weather was horrific on the big day – torrential rain in London rather like the recent Thursday when HMQ passed away. But the show had to go on and Her Majesty duly did a ceremonial planting of one tree. I recall that, understandably, she did not look thrilled to be out in this sort of weather, even with two lackeys holding enormous umbrellas in place,
The small group of sponsors who attended (including The Standard which had made by far the biggest contribution) were then introduced to Her Majesty and she, of course, was very gracious in thanking us for the 75 trees and making appropriate comments on the dreadful weather.
I was hoping to chat a little with Prince Philip whom I had met several times previously when our company was working for the World Wildlife Fund (Patron HM Prince Philip). The Duke had, however, smartly taken refuge from the elements – so I missed him.
I should add that the adverse weather also put paid to my video; all my son got on film were lots of wet umbrella shots.
Doesn’t read like a big story about my one contact with the Queen – but, especially with Hyde Park having played such a prominent part in the mourning and funeral arrangements for Queen Elizbeth, I can still recall every minute of that brief contact over 20 years later….
*Harry Reid*__
Performing for the Queen
In August, the Melodians Steel Orchestra performed on our bandstand. Terry Noel the leader, writes: “Having performed for Queen Elizabeth many times over the years, we will miss her and her words of encouragement….” He tells us about a special piece of music favoured by Her Majesty. “We performed “Highland Cathedral” on several occasions in the presence of the Queen and on one occasion, when we did not perform it, she enquired whether we still played it. We reassured her and made sure we performed it the next time we played for her”.
The bandstand concerts fell silent
Our September series of two concerts is something we will, we hope, look forward to next September. Leaders of both bands were very helpful when we came to our quick decision to cancel. It was the right decision. I was pleased that, on the day we were due to have our brass band and Duke of York’s Royal Military School musicians concert, the Salvation Army band took over the bandstand and played reflective music.
EXCITING EVENTS
- 1) Hyde Park Nursery Tour*
Tuesday 11th October 5pm to 7pm approx.
By kind invitation of the manager, Rob Dowling, we have been invited to see the Winter and Spring planting before it leaves the nursery to be planted in the parks and at Buckingham Palace. Rob’s insights are always interesting, and if you were thinking of coming to the plant sale later in October, you might be pleased to plan what you need. We will finish with a drink in the warm glasshouses.
To join the Tour of the Nursery, please see the October update from the Friends to book your ticket
For new members, the Nurseries are tucked away in Hyde Park, a bio secure area which is not generally open to the public, so these opportunities are special for us. Situated between West Carriage Drive and the Old Police House, the Nursery is marked on A to Z maps. The nearest parking is on West Carriage Drive or in the Triangle Car Park.
2) Plant Sale – The Hyde Park Nursery
Wednesday 26th October 10am to 2pm
Again, thanks to Rob Dowling for his kind invitation. Autumn, Winter and Spring plants, to see you through until the glorious burst of colour during next Summer, will be on sale to our members. These fabulous plants, which are left over stock, are grown for the parks and are available for us to buy at bargain prices. All takings go to the Royal Parks Charity.
There will be help to load up cars if you want to buy a large quantity. Experience from the last sale is that we were astonished at the selection and quality of the plants, and found it hard to make decisions.
We will be setting up until 10am so don’t arrive too early, there will be masses of plants for everybody. Please note to access this event you must be a Friend of Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
CARDS NO CASH PLEASE
3) Rowing on the Serpentine
Thursday 13th October 10.30 to 11.30 approx.
And now for something we haven’t tried before …
The boating on the Serpentine has been taken inhouse by the Royal Parks, and new manager, Tom Kiddey, is keen to meet us and for us to have a go at rowing. He has invited us to join him and his team and promises there will be plenty of help and assistance, and you won’t be shoved out to sea (sorry I meant lake) on your own.
To join the Rowing Event, please click on the link provided in the October Friends email update
Tea, coffee and even cake will be on offer to strengthen our arms, and our photographer will be in attendance. I am mad keen to try it out and am hoping that some of you would be interested in joining fellow trustee, Tina Higginson, and me in having a go.
Sue Price
Chairman
Photography:
Paul Shelley
Rob Dowling
Andrew Dowling
Sue Price
Alexandra Easton
