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Male 39 Years Old Married Newport, South Wales Secondary School History Teacher As a family interested in history and the royal family, we had been long planning our Jubilee celebrations. In the run up to the Jubilee weekend there were parties and events organised at the school where I work and at my son’s school. The Jubilee weekend proper, got started with a Jubilee themed quiz at our church on Friday 1st June. Saturday 2nd June began with us decorating our house with bunting and flags, inside and out. The garden already had Jubilee themed plants, hanging baskets and tubs although with the rather dull weather, these weren’t at their best yet. Later in the day we made our way to stay with family living near London so that we could attend the Thames River Pageant on the Sunday. It was interesting that the closer we got to London, the more Jubilee decorations etc could be seen. Having said that, there were far more decorated houses around where we live in Wales than we had seen for the Golden Jubilee. Sunday 3rd June and we made our way into London. It was rather nice that on the underground train, people were all carrying Union Flags and wearing patriotic outfits. Arriving at Green Park, it was good to see London decorated for the celebrations. A large ‘Congratulation’s Ma’am’ banner adorning the side of the Ritz. We wandered past Buckingham Palace where we heard Tom Jones practicing for the concert due to be held the following day. At the entrance to Clarence House we were stopped because the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were just leaving, giving all of the people watching a wave. There was a real sense of everybody together for a very special day. We made our way towards the Thames which was already thronged with huge crowds. After a little while we found a spot next to a restaurant boat and from here we could get a glimpse of the river. We could also see one of the big screens that had been set up especially. One of the most amazing moments was when HM The Queen was seen getting out of her car and right the way up the Thames you could hear the crowd cheering. Despite the cold and wet and the long wait, the crowd were fantastic. Lots of people from many different backgrounds, together celebrating their ‘Britishness’. Our 5 year old son was at a bit of a disadvantage because he couldn’t see and the people on the restaurant boat were kind enough to let him and another little boy go up the ramp to their boat and watch the first boats go past and take some pictures. Our son took some great pictures and he is convinced that the Queen waved to him. Maybe she did! I was able to see the Glorianna, the Spirit of Chartwell and the ‘Belfry’. It was amazing to hear the bells on the river, before we could see them and then to hear the bells across London ringing out to answer them. The only downside was that just before the boats came along the river, there was a surge of people that hadn’t arrived earlier and did their best to push and shove – a few firm words were spoken to them! Unfortunately, because the weather was really deteriorating, once the royal boats had passed, like many others we moved away from the river. There then followed a very wet walk through London to Fortnum and Mason’s so that I could buy a souvenir tin of their Jubilee Blend Tea! Driving home, we stopped at Windsor for a McDonalds and we saw the Royal Standard flying over the castle. It was nice to know that after what must have been an amazing day, HM was now safely at home. The policeman at the gate of the castle ‘doffed’ his hat at our son (who was wearing a pretend policeman’s helmet) which made a wonderful, historic day complete. We may not have seen much but we experienced the atmosphere and we can say that we were there! Naturally, 4th June was a quieter day. There were events in Newport but we decided to spend the day at home and watch the Jubilee Concert on the television. We made Jamie Oliver’s Jubilee Chicken recipe – delicious!!! The concert was amazing and the only sad part of it was that HRH The Duke Edinburgh was in hospital. Gary Barlow’s song ‘Sing’ with the Military Wives and the Commonwealth Band was a highlight. At 10pm we woke our son up and made our way out into the street where you can see the mountains and we saw the lit beacons. Amazing to think that these stretched the length and breadth of Britain and indeed across the world! Tuesday 5th June and Jubilee Day itself, we had invited family to come over to watch the celebrations and have lunch with us. Lots of Jubilee themed food, balloons, music and we all watched the carriage procession back from St Paul’s Cathedral and then the fly past and balcony appearance. Once again, although it was with family, it was the sense of being British and being part of something that really stood out. It was rather sad when it all came to an end but like many people I was left with a feeling of having witnessed history and a real pride for my country and HM The Queen’s achievements.