David Stedman - September 2022

On Friday 16th September 2022, Jill and I decided to make the trip to London so that we could pay our respects to our late Queen and to see the flowers that had been placed in Green Park and Hyde Park both fairly close to Buckingham Palace. It was quite a moving and somewhat solemn experience but it was something we felt we had to do. The size of the crowds in both parks was quite unbelievable and it was noticeable the outpouring of grief was amongst us all and without question brought a tear to the eye. Everyone had their own memories of the Queen to whom we spoke to and all were very respectful and complimentary about how Her Majesty had served our country over the last 70 years. Amongst the flowers were a number of artefacts poems and prayers that had been carefully placed so the public could read them. Many school children had clearly visited both sights leaving their own individual messages and it was something to behold. I hope some of our members enjoyed a similar experience but if not Jill and I can say that it was an experience we shall never forget and will long remain in the memory.

Dave Stedman

Chairman