Royal visit 2010
TO ALL MEMBERS
- five months’ notice of the big event
- four months of planning new spencer jackets/tailcoats, top hats, dresses and hairstyles
- three months of getting commitments from members who will attend the big event
- two months and we rceive official invitation from Lt. Gov’s office
- three weeks to go and we receive final information – etiquette – our spot at Government House – from Lt. Gov’s office
- ten days to go and we hold etiquette/protocol/information meeting
- last minute completion of wonderful new outfits
- one day to go – lay out the clothes – will it be muggy and sweltering? thunderstorm? bring umbrella? what’s the rain plan?
- THE DAY ARRIVES
- we all arrive and lo and behold we are located under a TREE! 42 of our members show up in their best clothing. So many new dresses, tailcoats and spencers. What a wonderful group we are!!
- it does not rain and the breeze is delightful. Okay it’s hot and muggy.
- the ambulance carts off a couple of people struck with the heat
- All the specially invited groups (us) are introduced
- Her Majesty and His Royal Highness dedicate a Leo Mol statue, plant a new variety of ninebark, and begin their walkabout. Bets are taken about who he or she will notice amongst MLHS people. “children” and ”Erle”. Bending the corner, Her Majesty takes the right side of the path (we’re on the left and notices the Corgis!). Oh no!!! But then, Prince Philip notices how beautiful we all are and speaks to myself and Erle about our society. He reckons not many Selkirk Settlers look as fine as we do today. I laugh and agree.
- Time for photo op.
- And then it’s all over.
NO RAIN!!
A good time was had by all. Memories are forever.
Thanks to Joe for being our official photographer – look on our website for his choice pix. Also look on the Lt. Governor’s website eventually for some pictures.
As a memento of their visit a copy of “The People of Red River: A Costume Guide” will be sent to the Royal Couple along with the card Janet created and all our signatures. If you were not at the event today and wish to sign the card, please make arrangements within the next 3 or 4 days. I hope to deliver the card and book to the Protocol Officer for forwarding on to the Royal Couple, by mid-week.
Ever in the Past….
Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers
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