Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

The very sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II brought back memories for many of our member groups who got together to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee just a few months earlier. Here, in tribute to Her Majesty, we’re sharing some of the events that took place to mark the 70th anniversary of her coronation. The sheer number of parties and Jubilee gatherings that took place are a testament to the popularity of the Queen in Scotland, especially among the older generation who grew up with her and mourn her loss. BeFriend in Bellshill, had a Jubilee party and a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre – complete with a VIP guest! A group from Special Treats Blairgowrie enjoyed a royal day out celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. They attended a service in Dunkeld Cathedral, a ‘photo shoot’ in the cathedral grounds, followed by a carvery lunch and games on the lawn. Members of St Andrew’s Church, Carluke congregation and Dementia Hub held a Jubilee lunch in a hall suitably adorned in red, white and blue and Union flags. There was a game of ‘hunt the corgi’ – knitted ones! – a Jubilee quiz and a rousing rendition of the national anthem. In Kinross, 97-year-old Peggy Lamont, the oldest resident of Whyte Court Sheltered Housing, planted a Jubilee tree in the grounds ahead of a celebratory afternoon tea. In Buckie, the Buckpool, Findochty and Cullen Be Active Life Long (BALL) group met for a Jubilee party with entertainment, dancing and excellent home baking.

A surprise visitor to the Bellshill celebrations | Peggy planting her Jubilee tree

Members of the ROAR Connections for Life Health & Wellbeing clubs in Johnstone were treated to a Jubilee afternoon tea, with musical accompaniment. Some dressed up in Union flag colours and one member wrote a poignant poem for the Queen:

A unique queen

Whilst many lives have altered Still our spirit will not be broken Our majestic queen has never faltered Showing a promise given by one so young reach perfection. This dedication given to us in no small measure Became the emblem of our great nation This royal lady has been our treasure Unequalled by any other worldly nation To Her Majesty, we wish her well So, raise your glass and say Congratulations to a task well done May our adoration to a life so willing given We say GOD SAVE THE QUEEN Poem written by Agnes from Johnstone