Magazine #24: Jubilee

🎵 A Life Filled With Grace

A song won a competition with words by Lucy Kylie and music by Ben Senator Terry, never meeting beforehand; They discuss their collaboration and the song’s themes of light, grace, love, and peace.

From Princess to Queen

Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II upon King George VI’s death in 1952. She was greeted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who praised her father’s dedication. The new queen has since upheld her father’s legacy over her reign.

The Coronation

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated on June 2, 1953 with widespread viewing despite rain and limited TV availability; over 20 million people watched, leading to street parties across the country; the event coincided with the historic news of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s Mount Everest conquest.

Rationing

Elizabeth II’s reign started with rationing changes; Sweet rationing ended in 1953, with complete rationing ending in 1954. Oxford medical student Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile record on Iffley Road in 1954. In 1956, the Suez Crisis resulted in political consequences.

Early Events

The rise of rock and roll in Elizabeth’s early reign saw massive popularity for Bill Haley’s songs, shocking critics.

Sporting Occasions

England’s 1966 World Cup victory featured Geoff Hurst’s historic hat-trick in a dramatic final against Germany; The match is famous for commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme’s quote ‘They think it’s all over’ before the ref’s whistle blew; Retrieved by a dog named Pickles, the Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen before the tournament.

❓ Quiz - Questions

A general knowledge quiz for listeners to enjoy at home.

Sam’s Medal

Sam Small received the Victoria Cross medal for saving his sergeant major’s life during battle; After pushing through the palace, he met the king and queen before receiving his medal

The Poet Laureates

Appointment and impacts of UK’s royal poet laureates in the last 70 years. Six laureates served, each adding distinct styles and poems for key royal events. Andrew Motion and Carol Ann Duffy among notable holders.

Prime Ministers

Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with her 14 prime ministers varied from informal to tense, with Margaret Thatcher reportedly maintaining a strictly formal demeanor, while Tony Blair criticized royal traditions.

The Beatles

Pupils missed school to queue for Beatles concert tickets in snowy weather; Their enthusiastic reviews of the gig revealed dedicated fandom; The incident highlights teenage obsession with The Beatles’ rise to fame in early 1960s.

Traumatic Events

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II faced traumatic events including Lord Mountbatten’s assassination by the IRA in 1979, the Falklands War in 1982, the Aberfan disaster in 1966, Lockerbie airliner bombing in 1988, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 30 years, several prominent figures died, including Prince Philip in 2021.

Just Wait For The Sun by Lisa Marks

Lisa Marks’ poem ‘Just Wait for the Sun’ offers hope amidst despair, reminding listeners that darkness always passes. Published in March 2020, it encourages holding on despite loneliness and pain.

Silver Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth has had multiple Jubilees; Silver Jubilee in 1977 included a county tour, service, procession, and fireworks; Name changes and city status resulted from the celebrations.

Ruby Jubilee

The Ruby Jubilee in 1992 was a muted event marked by a gala at Earl’s Court featuring Cliff Richard and Darcy Sussex. Despite this, the Queen seemed pleased to greet children.

Golden Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 celebrated her 50-year reign with grand events across the UK and abroad despite mourning her mother’s passing earlier that year. Two million people secured tickets for parades and concerts, with performances from renowned artists. The 50th Jubilee saw the couple watch the procession and service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, unexpectedly meeting an acquaintance from their past.

Diamond Jubilee

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated in 2012 with grand festivities including a pageant at Windsor, a river pageant on the Thames, and a concert at Buckingham Palace. The event featured over 1000 performers, 550 horses, and historic aircraft, with millions attending street parties nationwide.

Sapphire Jubilee

The Queen quietly marked her Sapphire Jubilee, 65 years on the throne, in 2017. No major celebrations were held, instead she reflected at Sandringham. A £5 coin commemorated the occasion.

After The Jubilee by Pam Ayres

A pam Ayres poem about post-Jubilee sentiments, with memories of patriotic celebrations and bonfires, despite the rain.

Hot Air Balloon

A woman in a hot air balloon became lost and sought help from a man below, asking for the time despite his lack of useful information.

The Queen’s Faith

Queen Elizabeth’s faith guides her 70-year reign; She takes her role as defender of the faith seriously, considering it a requirement from God; Her faith influences her daily life and interactions with staff.

Queen Victoria

A humorous poem pays tribute to Queen Victoria’s 64-year reign; Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, Victoria outlived her husband Albert, who was her ‘idol’; The poem pokes fun at Victorian norms and royals’ influence on society.

Sam’s Sturgeon

Sam Small caught a sturgeon while fishing in Manchester, which he believed belonged to him but was told belonged to the king. He took it to London to present to the king.

❓ Quiz - Answers

Here are the answers to this week’s quiz — how did you do?

The Platinum Crown

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign summarized in a poem by local poet Divaldi; The poem, ‘The Platinum Crown,’ covers key events and challenges; The poem highlights Duty, Honor, Resilience, and the changing media landscape.

I Am Not Old

A humorous poem denies aging signs; Speaker claims all is fine; Refuses to accept old age stereotypes

The Finale

The queen missed the state opening of parliament for the third time in 70 years. This occurred amidst speculations about her health and age. The event raised concerns about the continuity of monarchical rituals.

👋 Goodbye!

The closing sign-off, including volunteer credits and listener information.

🎵 Sweet Caroline

Listeners have chosen a unifying song to decide World Cup parties, which was performed in the latest chapter; The song features the lyrics ‘Touching me, touching you, sweet Caroline’; The selection has sparked excitement among listeners.