Coronation fun around the villages...but some had rain and some had sun

Dear Readers,

Charles has had his big day, he has been crowned King Charles III and at the age of 74, he is now our sovereign. Can you imagine getting your biggest promotion when you are eight years older than the state retirement age? He has got servants and gofers galore, but it is still a big responsibility. Wouldn’t he prefer to talk to his plants or concentrate on turning his numerous homes into eco-palaces? And who would have thought Camilla, the most hated woman in the UK in the 1990s would become Queen? Poor Diana would be turning in her grave but being pragmatic about their relationship, he always loved Camilla years before he met Diana, so it is a twist of fate that he got ‘the woman I love by my side’ at the end of the day. These are the words of the abdicated King Edward VIII when describing Wallace Simpson but the sentiment is the same. The irony is the Institution didn’t allow the heirs and spares to marry the partner of their choice if they weren’t high-born enough or if they had been divorced, but this denial often ended badly. Think of Princess Margaret, Edward VIII and Charles. Now the rules are more relaxed and they can marry who they choose; so far Kate and William look rock solid but what about Harry and Megan? They look to be on a downward path of self-destruction and if not both of them, Harry does for sure.

Whether you are a Royalist or a Republican or someone sitting on the fence, the Coronation weekend was well celebrated in the villages. Caddington’s on the Green was a bit wet as they picked Coronation Day but everyone had fun. Redbourn’s picnic on the Common on Sunday was lucky with the weather and the sun shone all day. For both events, the live music, games and novelties for the children, and charity stands, all made lots of fun and a chance for the communities to pull together. We have dedicated several pages to the local celebrations and I thank the local photographers for providing some special moments, caught on camera. Redbourn got going on Help Out Day and a large group of volunteers spent the day litter-picking. It is important to keep Redbourn sparkling this year as they have qualified for the final of Britain in Bloom! Good luck to all the Redbourn in Bloomers - you do a great job.

One last thought. Are any of you in need of a dentist and can’t find one? Look outside of the box and get yourself treated soon. See our article on page 8. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Sue Mitchell Editor

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Kensworth May Fair

Hundreds of villagers gathered to enjoy the May Fair in the grounds of the Church of St Mary The Virgin. Here are a selection of photos taken by John Hagen which capture the happy mood of the festival goers.