2012
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Memories of a Lincolnshire Village
The Diamond in the Crown
I wonder if you remember 1953?
If so you might recall
the 'Coronation Tea',
when ' Sammy's Hut'
burst into life
for village folk like me!
The ‘Boston Guardian' reported
two hundred children had tea and watched TV.
How strange to think a TV screen
was something most of us
had never, ever seen!
THE 1950's!
An age of innocence;
a time to run quite free,
to ride our bikes
down ‘Gold Fen Bank’,
then have a picnic tea!
I thought I’d also mention
some names that you might know:
Dr Bee and his ‘trotters’,
appearing at Wrangle Show;
Julia Bush at ‘The Angel’;
‘Aisthorpe’s Shop’ and ‘Walker and Hall’s’
where villagers would go...
Near the church was a bike shop;
Baz’ Berrys own domain,
where village bikes were mended,
as people stood and chatted
or sheltered from the rain!
Across a little bridge
was another popular place,
selling fish and chips so fine.
A meeting place for youngsters,
who on bags of chips would dine.
At Wrangle School the teachers
made sure we were ‘kept in line’.
Mr Barrand, Mrs Cantwell,
Mr Cunnick ( and his slipper!)
are names that come to mind.
Miss Wilkinson and Mrs Fletcher,
were always very kind.
We learnt to do our sums
and sometimes did PE...
had a Coronation Pageant in 1953!
‘Kings and Queens Through the Ages’
saw Ben Clark lead his trusty horse and cart
around the school playing field,
carrying Boudicea and her daughters,
followed by‘war-like hoards’,
with wooden swords,
who also played their part...
As we entered our teens
Wrangle Lowground,
like a magnet, drew us all,
to Bert and Barbara’s Youth Club,
where we always had a ball!
In the 1960's;a new era visited Wrangle,
for what seemed quite a while.
The village hall held ‘Jive Sessions’,
where even the vicar joined us,
as we danced true 60's style!
With bouffant hair and frothy frocks,
we ‘rocked’ with boys in bright red socks!
And now... 60 years have passed!
A new generation of ‘tweeters’
use ‘Facebook’ and text quite fast!
But our Jubilee Celebrations
show some things always last!
We’re still a close community
and special wishes send
to the Queen, as she celebrates
her Jubilee Week-end.
Our special ‘Wrangle Family’
with flags red, white and blue,
show what caring really means.
Once more we’re here together,
‘though the world might seem quite ‘down’,
to show we’re all so grateful
to the ‘Diamond in the Crown’.
OUR QUEEN!
c Annette Borrill
...also written for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Wrangle Street Party and Talent Show
Music and Song
When asked to write and read a verse,
music came to mind...
The big band sounds of the 40's,
which are still alive today...
The gentle songs of the 50's,
when singers would ‘croon away’.
The swinging sounds of the 60's,
meant Rock ‘n’ Roll was here to stay!
I could mention all the decades
but will instead come right up to date,
to celebrate some ‘Wrangle sounds’,
which I simply heard through fate!
The other night whilst gardening,
well, losing the battle with weeds and such,
I heard some cheerful singing;
an old song I liked so much!
‘You Are My Sunshine’
filled the air,
an accordion joined in too.
I was transported back to family events,
when the piano came into view.
As I pictured a family sing-a-long,
another song came through;
‘Que Sera, Sera’ now echoed
not very far from me.
The Chapel folk were singing,
as they planned their Jubilee.
Again the song provoked a happy memory...
Mr Barrand, my old School head,
made a name plaque for our home
in ‘71, when we got wed...
And yes, you’re right,
‘Que Sera’ the name plaque read!
And now tonight we’re here,
celebrating music once again;
a community enjoying magical sounds,
from talented musicians and such.
I just thought music
should be mentioned in verse,
as we owe it oh so much...
MUSIC!
It lifts our hearts when we need it to;
‘ though sometimes it makes us weep.
A lyrical flute can send shivers through;
a saxophone sound,
so beautiful too...
As lively groups and singers
bring happiness to you,
on this amazing day,
‘GOD SAVE THE QUEEN’
should surely lead the way!
c Annette Borrill
Gentleness
How brave to be gentle
in a world that respects the strong,
where gentleness is seen as weak
by those who've got it wrong!
Attitude
We cannot change events in life
but attitude can be the knife
that cuts through endless pain
and gives us strength to live again...
Over the years I have worked with numerous groups and individuals in Lincolnshire, using verse to share thoughts and feelings, including Women's Aid and GFS Platform. My books have also been read by individuals and communities of all ages beyond Lincolnshire: Walsingham, Norfolk; Liverpool; Ireland; The Anti Bullying Campaign in London; Scotland; Devon; a talking newspaper for the blind in Cornwall and others....I have also recorded several CDs of verse with background music and recorded tracks for NCM’s promotional compilation CDs. Details of CDs and previous books can be found on my other website www.inspirational-verse.com
As other writers will know it is not easy to have verses published, consequently I have relied on grants and self-publishing to share my love of the written word and received some amazing feedback. I do not write academic poetry, just simple verses which others might enjoy. Through my words I hope to not only share experiences but also offer a little insight into the magic of nature and angels; a subject close to my heart and remind people they are never alone. 2010 Inspirational Verse Books:
This year I have self-published 5 new books of inspirational verse, which I hope will not only be pleasant to read during quiet moments but also offer a little support and reassurance when needed. The books all have a relaxing, spiritual approach, with the exception of ' I Am Me and I'm OK' which offers support for young people affected by bullying.
I am self-publishing them on a print on demand basis but hope eventually to find a publisher who will make it possible to publish and distribute my verses on a larger scale. This will mean those interested in my writing can purchase books at a much lower cost, as although I take no profit , I realise print on demand books can still be quite expensive.
*One of the books 'My Guiding Light' is a prayer; it was also released on NCM's promotional compilation CD to radio stations worldwide .The CD included an Elvis Presley track ' Peace in the Valley' .
'My Guiding Light' reached No7 in the NCM UK Top20 and No10 in the NCM Euro Top 40. As it was the only spoken track and I recorded it at a local recording studio, I was delighted and very thankful for the feedback I received from various Radio Stations, including those in Australia , Austria, Belgium , Germany, Holland, Ireland and the UK.
'My Guiding Light' (CD track)
' Beautiful and a real comfort' DJ Alan Maxwell FM UK
' Excellent- love it!' Lyn Harvey GFM Radio Australia
'Walking With Angels and Other Verses' (Book)
“These beautiful verses will inspire you
Jacky Newcomb ‘The Angel Lady’, Multi-Award Winning, Sunday Times best selling author, columnist and angel experiences expert
Well known TV presenter Gloria Hunniford has reviewed my new book "Walking With Angels and Other Gentle Verses’
She said: "Having just completed a television series investigating ‘Angels’, I was fascinated to receive and read these exquisite poems by Annette Borrill . These angel verses seem to get to the heart of the subject on all levels whether its bringing comfort, healing or a smile. For anyone interested in Angels, this book will be a collector’s item. Gloria Hunniford".
Unspoken Love
Angels reach us in different ways;
a feather, leaf or bird...
Angels let us know we're loved
- and never say a word!
Wishes
If wishes were wands,
I'd wave them over you
and make the heartache go away;
just love and laughter I'd renew!
Your Own Special Angel
I'm sending you a healing prayer,
on golden wings of love.
Your very special angel's here,
with heart-gifts from above...
Crystals and Candles
Do you ever light a candle
and feel the peace it brings?
Have you ever held a crystal
and felt its magic healing things?
Will you spend a little time,
just an hour, or minute,
to close your eyes and say a prayer;
there's so much love within it!
Even in silence, guidance is there;
especially in silence
God hears our prayer.
'Though life may bombard us
with noise, rush and stress,
in quiet moments
our angels still bless...
Angelic Reassurance
In times of change and heart-ache
our angels stay the same.
They send their love and gentleness
and never hurt or blame!
Foxglove Fairies
Foxglove fairies are finger-tip high;
translucent wings
against indigo sky.
Flitting so swiftly,
they quietly weave
spells and magic
...if you just believe...
Angels of the Night
At depth of night
when sleep won't come
and minutes seem like hours;
when painful thoughts
won't leave your mind
and loneliness
shows off its powers,
just take a breath,
release a sigh
and know an angel
passing by
will always be with you....
* I retain sole copyright for all verses shown on my websites
Annette Borrill