Customers at Helgate Court, one of our Independent Living Schemes in Norwich enjoyed a party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Customers enjoyed a special party, with some sharing memories from Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953. Whilst for some this would have been the first time that they experienced this historic occasion, others like Orbit customer Pauline Taylor still have special memories of Queen Elizabeth II ascending to the throne 70 years ago.
Pauline said: “I was a girl of 13 back in 1953,” recalls Pauline, who lives at Helgate Court - an Orbit-run independent living scheme in Norwich.
“Rationing was coming to an end, and everyone was really excited to be able to celebrate. I remember eating jam sandwiches and we were one of the few families back then who owned a television, so we were able to gather round and watch it together – I remember being amazed by the spectacle of the carriage and parade even though it wasn’t in colour!
“Dad had painted huge five-foot crowns outside the front of the factory where he worked, and as children we were all given a special prayer book and bible at school with the coronation crown on the cover. Even things like milk bottles had special tops with union jacks printed on them.”
Pauline collected special mementos such as the bottle tops, along with other items such as coronation branded sweet packets and clippings from magazines and comics from the time and saved them in a scrapbook which she has kept carefully preserved to pass on to her granddaughter.
“It feels so special to be able to experience two Coronations in one lifetime and I’m really looking forward to the celebrations.”
For more on the Coronation click here. If you are not already, keep up to date with all the latest from your community by following us on social media. Just search @Orbithelp.
