Royal Proclamation

It was the last day of the season at the outdoor swimming pool this morning, heralding the arrival of Autumn. The weather had got the message too, a pale sun providing a bit of warmth for us regulars who turned up at opening time for a final swim and a chat.

When we came out we bumped into the Chair of the local Parish Council, who had played a leading role in getting the pool reopened after Covid. 

She let us know that there would be a ceremony this afternoon, where the Royal Proclamation of Accession would be read to the people of Street. This is a centuries old tradition, dating from when the only way to let the populace know that a new monarch was on the throne was to send heralds on horseback across the land to make announcements in every village and town.

The blip shows her reading the Proclamation, the one made at St James’ Palace yesterday, surrounded by various dignitaries, to a crowd of 100 or so residents.

It was followed by a first chance for us to sing God Save The King and a rousing three cheers. Probably my only chance to witness this particular slice of history.

Our local police officer in the line up is an ex-pupil of mine and a fellow Park Runner!