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Life and other stuff

Put me on the train for London Town…

22/2/2019

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Not much drops through your letterbox anymore - not even bills. The daily post delivery (if you get one) generally consists of unwanted adverts, Domino’s pizza offers (is anything ever full price there?), begging letters from charities and the occasional letter from the tax man. But if you're very lucky, once in a while something very special will drop through your door. 2018 saw our postman deliver two such letters.
Our first, which was a complete surprise was a letter from ERNIE – master of the premium bonds - advising of a £25 win on my bond! As I am the owner of just £2 worth of premium bonds, won in a local newspaper colouring competition over 46 years ago (?!), it was a great surprise when they won a prize! It might not have been the jackpot and it didn’t take long to spend but it was a very enjoyable win! 
​Secondly, not so much a surprise but even more special to both of us, was the letter which arrived with a Buckingham Palace postmark confirming our attendance at a Royal Garden Party to be hosted by the Queen, after both being nominated through Chris' work for services to business in Manchester.

We RSVP'd  and dutifully headed to ‘google’ for help and advice! 
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Now the beautiful invitations – something we will treasure for ever – came with a plethora of helpful advice and tips for the day but somehow, we needed more! 
​Our first job was to sort out our transport for the day. We are lucky to live on the West Coast Main Line so getting down to London from Wigan is a relatively smooth job thanks to Virgin trains. Book early enough and you can even manage to get first class travel at a bargain price. Thankfully this time we were lucky and managed to get first class tickets on our train of choice for under £20. 
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Now the clothes. Dress codes are a nightmare. Not so much for men as it is just a choice of suit style and colour but what do these ‘dress code’ terms really mean?  Day dress? My ‘day dress’ usually involved my black or blue trousers with a selection of tops from Fat Face, White Stuff, Wallis and Next. I was quite sure at this point that none of those would be acceptable! Dresses are completely absent from my wardrobe, so my first job was seeking one out. Not being a natural ‘dresser up’ this was actually a really tricky choice coupled with the ‘should I wear tights’ and the eternal ‘will my high heels be comfortable?’. Thankfully there were blogs aplenty showing outfits people had chosen ranging from cocktail dresses to trouser suits and to my relief lots of fellow ‘non dresser ups’ (are these even words!?) wearing lovely ordinary dresses. I have to admit this was my least favourite part of the whole experience; racked by indecision and a total lack of confidence in my ability to choose appropriate clothes (if you know me you will understand..ripped jeans and scarves dominate my wardrobe!) I was finally dragged into Debenhams by my 80 year old Mum who declared we were not leaving until I chose something! Surprisingly of the two dresses I thought might do, I actually liked one of them enough to think I could wear it helped by the fact that there was a lovely blush jacket waiting in my wardrobe to go with it. So navy blue dress with a tropical print, blush jacket, a beautiful blush scarf (which I have loved ever since!) and some nude wedge heels – following the ‘no heels’ advice! Thanks to a good friend Angie I had a lovely feathery fascinator – blush again -  and was ready to go. Not sure I was fully confident in my choices but basically, I ran out of time! At this point I’ll just mention that Chris chose his favourite blue suit and a white shirt which I dutifully ironed. So much easier for men….
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​The day dawned, bright and sunny. An early hair appointment with friend and hairdresser Lisa who transformed my hair then set it like concrete! Half an hour of deciding what to do about shoes – eventually we all decided that comfort  should rule so out came some comfy (frumpy) blue wedge sandals (managed to get my ankle chain on though!) and the blush heels remained in their box for another time. The lovely Lisa dropped us at the station and we were ready to go.

In the lead up to the party I had done extensive research on umbrellas and coats and what actually happened if the ‘heavens opened’. I knew (thanks again bloggers) what umbrellas were acceptable and what would happen if it did indeed rain. Now I don’t know if you remember last year but something very extraordinary happened and we had a long period of hot and sunny weather. Coping with the heat I had not researched and not long after our arrival in London we were carrying jackets and searching shops for sunglasses! 
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You may know we love to walk, so travelled down to the palace on foot – thank goodness for the comfy shoes! It was almost like following the Pied Piper as at every turn someone else joined the walk – knowingly smiling at each other as the outfits gave away our destination.
As we arrived at the entrance to Green Park, we were met by volunteers who pointed us in the direction of the different entrances. There were substantial queues at all of them, so we decided to go around to the rear of the palace and join the queue there. This saved us no time as that was also a substantial queue, but it was extremely well organised, moved along quickly and you were surrounded by thousands of excited people.  The sun was shining, it was very hot, and the crowds were friendly. It was at this point that we began to notice groups of tourists photographing us! You almost felt like shouting ‘we’re no one special!’ – what they imagined was taking place I have no idea!
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​As the line progressed you were greeted by friendly smiling police officers – heavily armed – but there to keep you safe and guide you in. Tickets checked and we were in. Actually, inside Buckingham Palace gardens. That feeling is so hard to describe. I am sure no one imagines that ever happening to them. We certainly didn’t.
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Again, thanks to the research (thanks again bloggers!) we had a vague idea of where we needed to be and when, so we took the time to wander around the beautiful gardens. Happily taking photos for other couples and selfies by the bucket load! Being able to take your camera along was a very pleasant surprise. We chose to leave the Fuji’s at home and opted to go ‘mobile’ for the day. Cameras on mobile phones are of exceptional quality now and of course much more portable.
​We reached the front of the palace (back entrance) still snapping happily away and met the crowds of people waiting for the arrival of the royal party. As you gaze across the immaculate lawns you realise the sheer number of people who are actually there with you – 8000 people are invited to each event with three parties across the summer months.
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We joined the throng but had no real chance of seeing much through the lines of top hats! Bang on time out came  the royal party  onto the patio and made their way slowly across the garden to their tea tents; talking to what must have been pre-arranged guests. We got very close to Prince Edward at this point standing nonchalantly on the lawn chatting and resembling nothing more than a founding member of the Kingsman society! (geeky film reference sorry!)
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​We watched the Beefeaters march away, listened to the bands playing and then decided to go and sample the afternoon tea. Again  (thanks bloggers!) thanks to the research done beforehand we knew exactly what to expect. Join one of the lines choose your drink and then select whichever sandwiches and cakes you want to fill your small plate. There was a large choice of drinks and we decided to sample one of each from the cakes and sandwiches. The queues looked long but the whole thing is extremely well organised and moves along quickly and efficiently. 27,000 cups of tea are served, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 cakes and every mouthful we tasted was exquisite. Not sure we have ever tasted such delicious sandwiches and cakes and despite your plate looking on the small side (we’re northern remember! Pies, pea and mash up here!) it perfectly fitted ‘one of each’.  Now at this point I need to tell you that seating is not readily available. There were a lot of elderly guests and it was a very hot day. There are seats around and about the gardens but we, like many others, stood to eat our tea.  
​Due to the heat the next stop was the spotless toilet block to freshen up – sticky fingers! It was here that I realised my choice of the frumpy blue sandals was indeed the right choice as there were numerous ladies walking around barefoot carrying their stilettos in their hands (non heel wearers may not realise that once they are off and particularly on a hot day they are not going back on for the rest of that day!)

Not sure if this was a result of the heat or if this is a usual occurrence but there were plentiful bottles of water for you to have and even ice creams! We ate our ice creams leaning on the walls of Buckingham Palace (still can’t believe I am actually saying that!) and tried to take in what was going on around us. We met some very worthy attendees proudly telling their stories and introducing you to their families.
Words cannot describe what a good day we were having but it was at this stage that something quite magical happened. As we wandered around the lawns trying to catch a glimpse of the royal party in their tea tent, we saw the Beefeaters begin their walk back to protect the Queen. As we turned around to watch, a Beefeater stood directly in front of us and we realised they were forming a line for the Queen to walk back to the palace. Accidentally we found ourselves right at the front of this line and together with a lovely young couple from Ireland could not believe our luck! The royal party made their way through the line across the gardens towards the palace right in front of us. Time for some point and click photography hoping to get at least one good pic. Obviously well trained to smile for everyone we got some amazing photos of the party and several where they even appeared to be smiling just for us! Proudest moment when the Queen smiled for my photo – I’m definitely sure it was me she was smiling at! 
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​Despite the retirement of the royal party there remained much to see and do – bands, music, the gardens and even selected areas inside the Palace (no photos allowed there!)

Sadly, as all great days come to an end it was time to leave to catch the train home. The exit was through the palace and the very famous doors you usually only see after weddings and visits of dignitaries. Time for some more snapping and then we went under the gates and out onto the front. Once again paparazzi style photography from hundreds of tourists, which by now I was used to and quite enjoying! I’d never see any of the photos so who cares what I look like!

Despite taxis everywhere we decided to walk back to Euston and once again the frumpy shoes were proven to be the right choice. First class ride home on the train (we were very tired!) and the end of a truly wonderful day. A day we will probably never ever repeat. I can’t imagine you would ever be asked twice, but what a huge honour to go just once.
​It was about this time last year when we first received our invitation and began to plan. If you’ve just received yours congratulations and we hope you have a wonderful day! Maybe some of this might help you who knows! We came back from London with so many memories, new sunglasses, tights which didn’t ladder and a fascinator which thanks to Lisa stayed exactly where it should have done all day! 
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Our big 5 tips:
  1. Don’t worry about your clothes we saw such a wide variety of outfits – dress up to the level you are happy with and don’t spend a fortune on something which will then sit in your wardrobe. My dress cost just £30 from Wallis.
  2. Leave the heels at home. You are on your feet for a very long time plus the Palace don’t like stilettos as they ruin the lawn!
  3. Sample all the food - the cakes and sandwiches are delicious!
  4. Be prepared to queue to get in but don’t worry the queues move quickly
  5. Make sure you have a camera or a mobile phone with a camera. You will want to photograph everything!
And finally avoid standing behind the top hat brigade and don’t forget to watch out for those Beefeaters!
"Why am I here?
I wanna feel
I wanna see
I want to meet the queen..."
​Attick Demons
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We will remember them...

30/12/2017

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The Trooping of the Colour was such an outstanding day out, we decided to take a trip to London to see the Remembrance parade at first hand. This turned into a real holiday of two halves and some parts will definitely not be repeated!
The trip down was hot and uncomfortable on a very busy Virgin Train. Someone sat in our pre-booked seats, First Class ran out of food and water and one of us, for the first time ever in over fifty years, actually felt travel sick! Still, ever reliable Premier Inn gave us a comfy bed for the night and a good breakfast.
The following morning, time to take the cameras out for a London photo shoot. As a favour to a close friend, we had agreed to call at Harrods for one of their 2017 baubles. Little did we realise what a nightmare this would be! Christmas land was on the top floor and hard to find, packed full of people and products and then, once we had successfully purchased afore mentioned bauble, we couldn’t find the exit – anywhere. Cue 25 minutes of wandering round Harrods trying to escape in very hot conditions all wrapped up as it’s cold outside. Not pleasant. We escaped onto the streets to crowds of pre-Christmas shoppers and busy traffic. This set the pattern for the whole day, which was finished off very badly in a restaurant (which shall remain nameless) leaving us sat without service at our table for over 30 minutes and then very ungraciously serving us after a gentle (!) reminder from Chris. Still saved us having to tip. So, Saturday night, I lie awake wondering why we had bothered spending money on this.  
Being positive people, we woke the next morning fresh and relaxed and determined to enjoy the Remembrance Sunday experience.  We decided to have an early start visiting Wellington Barracks, where we were lucky to be in time to see the troops massing in readiness. Course we managed to pick the wrong gate to wait for them to leave, but after a quick run down the road, we both managed to get great positions to capture the soldiers leaving the barracks. The day just got better and better - we watched the gun salute at Horse Guards Parade, experienced the two minute silence and bugle Last Post and then joined the crowds to cheer on the parade of veterans. It was a freezing cold day and we both have nothing but admiration for the people who took part in the parade, who must have been stood in the cold for over 3 hours. We saw at close quarters the Kings Troop Artillery, several Victoria Cross holders and line upon line of proud marching veterans. It was both humbling and patriotic and many a group marching proudly back to Horse Guards bought a tear to our eyes. We will definitely repeat some parts of this trip but I doubt you’ll see us with the famous green and gold bag again anytime soon!
 
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Trooping the Colour...

30/12/2017

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One highlight of our 2017, was a last minute invite from Vicky at the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets, to attend this year’s Trooping of the Colour as their guests. Vicky works tirelessly to encourage businesses and organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and support the crucial work our reservists, and their employers, undertake.
Despite the problems a last minute invite to an event with a strict dress code entails, when your wardrobe is mostly populated with Fat Face, Joe Browns and White Stuff jeans and jumpers, we didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation – a once in a lifetime experience.
Neither of us had ever imagined we would ever attend such a prestigious event, be metres away from the Queen and Prince Phillip, sit in glorious hot (very, very hot!) sunshine and witness the best of the UK’s Pomp and ceremony at first hand.
Chris took all the photographs that day and what a gallery it produced. Why not come and have a look at his work by clicking here?
After the ceremony, we were treated to a balcony view of the aerial flypast and a champagne lunch at the East India Club. Our companions for the day were friendly and fun and the walk back to the train included gin den stopovers with our new found friends!
​Thanks to Vicky and the NWRFCA for an amazing day out. Why not go and see what the Armed Forces Covenant is all about?
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