Long may you reign, ma'am

"AS a two-year-old I don't remember the day itself, however, I do recall my aunties and uncles talking about the event whenever the Queen was mentioned.

"As a lad growing up in Worcester in the New Elizabethan Age, I can look back on the past 50 years with unfailing pride in being English - and all that that entails.

"There have been so many achievements, successes, and so much for us all to be proud of during that time.

"We've seen the kind of changes that nobody 50 years ago could have dreamed of.

"Yet, through it all, the Queen has remained the most constant and unfailing feature of a remarkable and sometimes almost unbelievable half-century.

"Like most of the councillors at the Guildhall, I had the privilege of meeting the Queen when she last visited the city on March 1, 2001. I can only remark on the lasting impression she made - not only on me, but on everyone she came into contact with that day.

"What in particular? Where to start? Is it her presence, or is it her ability to put you at your ease? Or is it the real desire to share the concerns and hopes of her people?

"I can't begin to tell you, simply because it's no single one of these things.

"Instead, it's the combination of everything. The National Anthem contains words like 'noble' and 'gracious', I really can't think of anything more fitting.

"The Queen is a truly remarkable lady and I don't doubt that I speak for all the citizens of the Faithful City when I say 'Ma'am, Long May You Reign'."

City can

claim to be faithful

Worcester MP Mike Foster

"WITH its reputation as The Faithful City, it is only right that through our local newspaper, we share and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

"It is a milestone for the country and the Queen personally, and the celebration is testimony to her continuing popularity.

"A classic example of how I see this regularly in the city, is that the question I am most frequently asked by schoolchildren is 'Have you met the Queen?'.

"They are always in awe when you tell them, as I do, that yes I have met the Queen when she came to Worcester last time.

"While she maintains this popular appeal, especially among younger people, Worcester will rightly claim to be the Faithful City."

A magical day in our

memories

Michael Brinton, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire

"THOSE of my generation, and older, will remember clearly, as if it were yesterday, the magical day of the coronation in 1953, with Her Majesty looking so young and beautiful amid all the splendour of this great state occasion.

"Today, as we look back on the intervening 50 years, we can only wonder at, and be grateful for, the strength, dedication and commitment with which she has fulfilled her role as our Queen.

"I am sure that I speak for everyone in the county of Worcestershire in wishing Her Majesty a long and happy reign, and the best of health in the future, on this 50th anniversary of that great day."