Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue
The 50th year of our queen's reign has been a special time for Brits everywhere
and we had a national holiday to celebrate it. All over the country there were
parades, galas, street parties or w.h.y. and a special round of events on UK television.
The Royal Jubilee Concert near Buckingham Palace was a very grand occasion with top class performances. List included Tony Bennet, Annie Lennox, Joe Cocker, Ozzie Osbourne, Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Queen (the band). There was an estimated half-million people for the concert and a million for the tremendous Royal Parade in London. Truly amazing events and no trouble from the crowds.
It also coincided with national fervour for our football team in the World Cup. All over the country, schools and businesses changed their routines to accommodate the Royal and major football events in June. People have been flying the flag - either the Union Jack or the George Cross - on their houses and their cars. As I write this, I know of at least three flags flying in my street.
Where businesses would not allow work flexibility, as many as 3 million people 'threw a sickie' to watch the big match of England versus Brazil. The team did very well but were knocked out of the running at the quarter finals, 2-1. There was no shame at all in losing to the excellent Brazil team.
Penistone Parade
Here are a few still pictures taken from video footage. Not high quality and none
are clickable.
As last year, the parade took a circular route, going twice past my spot in the doorway of Jaytees. After the parade, a gala kicked off on the Showground, with several sideshows, including London Fire Brigade's parachute team and a stunt aeroplane display. No helicopter rides this year, though, so no new aerial views for the website.
The parade was led by mounted policemen, followed by a large group of the Fleur de Lys majorettes and a lot more floats than I have included here. Now, I remember reading in 'The Three Musketeers' that the fleur de lys symbol was used by the French to mark someone for execution. It is also the name of a UK meat pie maker. No, I don't get it either.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
One of the funniest Penistone parades was a few years back, when a dustbin wagon tagged on at the end to a great cheer and applause. Another hoot a long time ago ago was when Radio Hallam brought an inflatable man on their float. It had to be lowered down several times to pass under telegraph wires and low bridges. They were visibly agitated, swearing under their breaths.
