Jubilee

“When I was twenty-one I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God’s help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgement, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.” Queen Elizabeth II

On Sunday 3rd June 2012, a flotilla of over one thousand boats gathered on the River Thames to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  The pageant of rowing boats, historic working and pleasure vessels – all beautifully adorned with bunting and Union Flags – began upriver of Battersea Bridge and ended downriver of Tower Bridge where the vessels departed to the West India Docks.

Of course, not everybody was able to attend the event in London, many celebrated with their own local parade and street party. How did you commemorate the day? Describe the atmosphere and the crowds – what were the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells?

Perhaps you witnessed the Queen’s Coronation on the 2nd June, 1953 or the Silver and Golden Jubilees?! What can you remember of them? What were your hopes for the future?

The Body on the Beach

It is late in the afternoon when you finally make your way toward the estuary. The bird hide is empty but shows signs of previous occupation; empty coffee cups, cigarette butts and sweet wrappers line the floor and table.

As you begin to clear a space you look up briefly and notice an odd shape on the mudflat. Unable to decide what it is, you grab your waders and binoculars and head out over the reedbed. As you draw closer you realize it is the naked body of a young woman lying face down in the mud.

What happens next?

Pick-A-Prompt

Balloon Ride

You have decided to try to overcome your fear of heights by taking a balloon ride over the South Downs. It is a beautiful, clear, calm day but your stomach is in knots. Describe your ride. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? How do you feel?

Country Drive

On a country drive one afternoon, you come across a little antique store tucked away in a quiet cove. You find a beautiful Victorian era brooch, and immediately feel you have seen it somewhere before. You decide to buy the brooch, despite the steep price tag.

Turning the jewellery over in your hand you see faint initials engraved. What happens next?