The blessed Margaret ..
I was up there this morning and it was indeed a moving occasion. Contrary to some of the news items I have seen (Channel 4), the overwhelming majority were extremely respectful and their was spontaneous applause and clapping as the gun carriage passed by. I saw very few (1) protests and even they were muted and of the 'turn your back' variety. It was a heartwarming occasion and I really got the feeling the faithful turned out in full force, especially by the Royal Courts of Justice and St Clement Danes. You could tell where the procession was by the applause and that the spectators were genuinely grateful for everything that Mrs T has done for our country. Glad I went
I thought it was a tremendous occasion - the right level of solemnity, dignity and ceremony befitting Lady Thatcher's almost unique position and contribution to this country.
As regards earlier queries - apparently it was only one bell tolling, but it sounded like two because it was muffled on one side and not on the other - alternate chimes muffled and not.
As for Amanda the Granddaughter - As a previous poster said - her Mother is American, plus she was brought up in South Africa, so i'm sure she can be forgiven for the accent.
Absolutely first class performance by all - especially the bearers! BZ!
Rest well Lady Thatcher - we shall not see your like again...
OH
As regards earlier queries - apparently it was only one bell tolling, but it sounded like two because it was muffled on one side and not on the other - alternate chimes muffled and not.
As for Amanda the Granddaughter - As a previous poster said - her Mother is American, plus she was brought up in South Africa, so i'm sure she can be forgiven for the accent.
Absolutely first class performance by all - especially the bearers! BZ!
Rest well Lady Thatcher - we shall not see your like again...
OH
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I pleased to note today that at Tattershall the Union Flag was being flown accurately at half-mast:
In the UK, the correct way to fly the flag at half mast is two-thirds between the top and bottom of the flagstaff, with at least the width of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole according to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which decides the flying, on command of the Sovereign.
The flag was exactly one width below the finial.
In the UK, the correct way to fly the flag at half mast is two-thirds between the top and bottom of the flagstaff, with at least the width of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the pole according to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which decides the flying, on command of the Sovereign.
The flag was exactly one width below the finial.
Last edited by Pontius Navigator; 17th Apr 2013 at 21:22.
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It was a very moving event and I'm very glad to have been there. The ceremonial aspects were spot on, but I think what impressed me most was the atmosphere generated by the crowds, so much dignity and such a feeling of respect for Baroness Thatcher. From where I was, I saw not a single example of so-called protest. It only goes to show how decent the British public can be and much admiration there is for a great lady. We to hear more from the vocal opposition which makes it very encouraging to see the silent majority for a change.
Very well done to all involved.
Very well done to all involved.
The bearers were excellent but we noticed a few bare hands on the way out, presumably to help grip on opposite shoulder?
That was the Matelot. They don't wear gloves in No1s.
A good job done by all.
and the Scots Guardsman bare handed too, on second viewing.
That was the Matelot. They don't wear gloves in No1s.
A good job done by all.
and the Scots Guardsman bare handed too, on second viewing.
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In a letter to my parents in January 1965, after watching Churchill's funeral, my grandfather wrote to my parents : "It seems only nitwits are left to govern us."
That was during the days of :
That was during the days of :
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I arrived outside St Paul's at 08.45 from Salisbury. I'm glad I arrived early as the crowds were already 5 deep & within 30 minutes we were packed solid. The crowd was exceedingly good natured & there was no sign of protesters.
As the funeral procession approached the sound of applause preceded it like a wave breaking on the beach; this was extremely moving. After the coffin was carried into St Paul's I made my way slowly through the crowds to the Rising Sun so that I could watch the service on the TV. En route an ITV reporter recognised my South Atlantic medal & asked me to say a few words.
Thatcher: local reaction - ITV News
The pub was packed & you could have heard a pin drop except when everyone joined in with the hymns. When I went to pay for my pint of Guinness my neighbour bought it for me as a thank you for my service. I felt very humble but also proud of both the RAF, my country & its people. Most of all I felt lucky to have had Maggie as my PM.
May she rest in peace beside her beloved Denis.
As the funeral procession approached the sound of applause preceded it like a wave breaking on the beach; this was extremely moving. After the coffin was carried into St Paul's I made my way slowly through the crowds to the Rising Sun so that I could watch the service on the TV. En route an ITV reporter recognised my South Atlantic medal & asked me to say a few words.
Thatcher: local reaction - ITV News
The pub was packed & you could have heard a pin drop except when everyone joined in with the hymns. When I went to pay for my pint of Guinness my neighbour bought it for me as a thank you for my service. I felt very humble but also proud of both the RAF, my country & its people. Most of all I felt lucky to have had Maggie as my PM.
May she rest in peace beside her beloved Denis.
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ROFL 
.....
.....
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Sisemen
That's funny fincastle - I would never have picked you as an elderly lady in matching purple 
Apologies for the digression on this serious thread.
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You came over very well for what it's worth.
Nice little group of medals there Fincastle. Any time you're short of money for a couple of pints, I'll make you an offer 
Seriously, I hope that people on here realise that groups of medals like that from the last few decades are worth serious money and need looking after (and insuring). To the recipients they are a reminder of good times and bad and the value probably doesnt come into it, but to a prospective thief they represent hard cash. I'm all for people wearing their medals on occasions like this, but if you think of it as walking around with a wad of £50 notes sticking out of your top pocket you may just take extra care that they stay attached!
Seriously, I hope that people on here realise that groups of medals like that from the last few decades are worth serious money and need looking after (and insuring). To the recipients they are a reminder of good times and bad and the value probably doesnt come into it, but to a prospective thief they represent hard cash. I'm all for people wearing their medals on occasions like this, but if you think of it as walking around with a wad of £50 notes sticking out of your top pocket you may just take extra care that they stay attached!
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On 9 April 2013, the Press & Journal published an article on Maggie's visit to Aberdeen RI to acknowledge the valuable work of the emergency services during the Piper Alpha disaster. A friend passed me this cut-out photo asking if I knew any of the RAF crewmen. The only one who looks familiar is second from the left of the RAF lineup, possibly Keith Ridley from one of the Kinloss sqns. Anyone else recognise these guys? No points for Maggie herself or Rifkind.....
Spooky: I wonder which bit of the country you imagine was working properly before she "wrecked" it. I suffered in the 1970s, in common with my countrymen and women. Labour did not reverse any of her reforms, which says a lot.
But the silent minority turned out to be the cheering majority for the funeral and also
SHE WON, so
WE WON
But the silent minority turned out to be the cheering majority for the funeral and also
SHE WON, so
WE WON
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IMHO she was an old bitch who wrecked this country, just saying!