Bridgton and Saco River Railway

A morning spent potting up lots of plants. The last of the tomatoes, the peppers, some lettuce and cucumbers. I’m really late this year. Mind you the weather was inclement again today… as expected. Fortunately it didn’t rain and spoil the big party on Bearsted Green.

We walked in the opposite direction through Mote Park to visit Doreen. Once again the Maidstone Model Engineering Club came up trumps with trains running all afternoon. This is an American loco which cuts a fine sight as she rounds the curve: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgton_and_Saco_River_Railroad

We watched the Pageant with Doreen which was quite astounding with wave after wave of the most colourful costumes, routes and tableaux. I though it was never going to end.

It was very poignant to see the Queen and the family on the balcony at the very end and to hear the National Anthem sung with such gusto. All my life so far I’ve lived in the second Elizabethan age. Of which I’m proud. Monarchy may not be perfect but it’s better than any alternative. (To paraphrase the quote about the failings of democracy)

Even though our town’s Jubilee offering has been muted we’ve enjoyed what we’ve done and how we’ve marked it. Following the National celebrations has been much better than I expected.

On top of that England, against all the odds, won a test match. And, what a bitter sweet day for the Welsh. In the World Cup for the first time in 64 years but at the expense of Ukraine. I do remember the last time when the great John Charles was the lynchpin of that team. Probably the greatest ever player in the UK?