Remembering Coronation Day 3 June 1953

Sixty years ago today, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in Westminster Abbey in London. 

This anniversary reminds me that watching the coronation is my earliest memory of watching television. I was sitting on a cushion on the floor in front of many adults sitting in their chairs. We were all peering at the flickering black and white images on a 10" TV set.

I think I was on holiday with my parents and sister in the Isle of Wight and the set we watched was at our B and B.

The other lasting impression was the voice of Richard Dimbleby who did the commentary.

It's not surprising that this is my earliest memory of TV viewing as we didn't have a TV at home at the time; hardly affordable and certainly unfeasible as we lived in a house without electricity. 

Leonardo da Vinci Drawings - Exhibition at The McManus Friday 31 August to Sunday 4 November 2012

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum is showing ten of the Royal Collection's finest Leonardo da Vinci drawings.
In these remarkable works the visitor can witness the remarkable breadth of Leonardo's interests - ranging from hydraulics and engineering to anatomy and map making - and his use of different media - pen and ink, red and black chalks, and metal-point.

The McManus is the only venue in Scotland for this exhibition.

Exhibition Dates Friday 31st August to Sunday 4th November 2012
Venue The McManus - Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum Admission is free.

McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum Albert Square Meadowside Dundee DD1 1DA website

HM Queen Elizabeth 60th Anniversary of her Accession to the Throne

First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

The First Minister said:"I congratulate Her Majesty on the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne, during which she has served her country with the utmost grace and distinction. 

Her dedication and commitment has inspired countless people across the country and around the world. And of course, Her Majesty’s affection for Scotland is reciprocated by Scots of all generations. I am looking forward to the official celebrations of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in June. The Scottish Government is working closely with Lord Lieutenants across Scotland in relation to the many events which are being organised by communities to celebrate this wonderful occasion.”
I agree with Alex.

Her Majesty the Queen came to the throne on February 6, 1952 and her Coronation took place on June 2, 1953. The main Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking 60 years of HM the Queen's reign will take place will centre around an extended weekend from June 2 to June 5 2012. Communities across Scotland will take part in the Big Jubilee Lunch and beacons will be lit across Scotland as part of the 2,012 beacons being lit across the UK.  Beacons will be lit at Balmoral Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle amongst other venues.