MY CROWNING DAY

 By Queen Georgina McGonagle

The preparation for the day of my crowning started the day before when my Mum and I went to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh to get our nails done.  This was a special treat for us both – I think my Mum enjoyed the free glass of champagne more than anything!

Then it was back to the house to continue getting it ready for the next day.  There were still lots to be done and we had left my Dad hovering...

I went to bed at about 10 o’clock and got to sleep pretty quickly even though I was really excited.

I woke up around 7 o’clock and was waiting for my Mum and Dad to wake up too!  They had been up late the night before getting the house ready for all the family who were coming to the party at night.

My Dad had asked a friend of his to take pictures of me throughout the day. His name is Steve Douglas and he arrived about 8!  My Mum was getting my hair ready so there are some funny pictures of my Mum with a few Kirby grips in her mouth.  My Mum did my make up too – we had practiced quite a few times over the previous weeks so it was done pretty quickly.

The weather wasn’t too bad in the morning and we were all hoping it wouldn’t get worse.  Little did we know!

Steve was out taking pictures of me on my own, and some of me in front of my arch.  My Granddad and Auntie Julie did all the hard work getting it built and ready for the day, the whole family provided support and pizzas so it was a real family affair.  It really was beautiful and was all made from scratch. 

My Mum had asked Karen Hogg to make some food for the party that night so when she arrived the house was full of food and people!  Steve was still taking pictures and by that time, I was ready and waiting for my Mercedes!  The neighbours were also beginning to appear as they saw things were happening.  They were taking pictures as well.  There were a few other children in my street that had parts in the Fair so it was a busy morning for a lot of us.  Some of my favourite neighbours gave me some presents too! I received a lovely necklace and a bracelet.  There were cards and special words of kindness that really meant a lot to me.  There was one very special hand-made cross-stitch card from Mrs Quigley, the Gracious Lady.  It is covered in pink flowers and is something I will treasure forever.

The man from Absolutely Blooming drove up and presented me with the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers which included lovely thistles and real crystals! It was lovely and went really well with the crystals in my hair.

Now it was time for Derek to pick me up in the Mercedes with Paul Quigley, the Herald! I was so excited and looking forward to driving around Queensferry with the lid off the car!  But it was then, the rain started to get heavier and Derek had to arrive with the roof on.  This was a bit of a disappointment but I was still looking forward to driving around and seeing all the people waving.  We drove along Hopetoun Road, then over the cross roads and up to St. Margarets to get our pictures taken.  Then it was time to get back in the car and drive round the ferry.  People were waving on every street as we drove along.  I was hanging out the window waving to everyone I saw.  I didn’t care about the rain by then.  My face hurt from smiling so much but I loved it all.

We were dropped off outside the Rosebery hall where we had to put on the plastic see through macs.  It was a shame we had to wear them, but the rain was quite heavy by this time and we would have got soaked even more if we didn’t put them on. Even Jane and Diane put them on!

We had to walk along the High Street.  There were hundreds of people waving and cheering!  I was so happy and nervous at the same time.  Everyone in the procession had taken so much time with their outfits, they all looked great and happy.  The little ones were all giggling too.

It was nearly time to be crowned but first of all everyone had to go up on stage with their macs on and curtsey to the Queen Elect (ie me).  It was quite difficult for some of the smaller ones to get up the steps but they all managed it in the end.

Paul read his speech perfectly – he did a great job even though the rain might have smudged the print.  Everyone was holding umbrellas on the stage to keep us dry but sometimes a big drip would appear from somewhere and give you a fright!

I had to sit on the throne which was a bit wet by that point, but I didn’t really care as I could hear all the cheers and see all the faces smiling.  My whole family were there to cheer me on, and my Mum and Dad looked very proud of me.

Then it was time for Mrs. Quigley to put the crown on my head.  She looked lovely too with her lovely outfit on.  The cheers were so loud I thought my ears would burst.

The chairman made his speech and thanked everyone for their hard work. 

Then it was time to walk along to the War Memorial and lay a wreath in memory of soldiers who died in the wars.

By this time I think everyone was ready for lunch which was served in the Rosebery Hall just upstairs.  We had lots of party food so there was something for everyone to enjoy.  I was presented with a crystal plaque to commemorate my day.  It is something I can keep forever to remember my day.  The committee also gave me a lovely watch to remember my day.  It was my job to give out the medals to everyone else who took part in the Fair.  There was also a prize-giving ceremony for the best arch, posy girl and escort.

My Dad came to pick me up and take me home. I was quite tired by that time, but there was no time to rest – there was a party going on at my house.  There were loads of family and friends there all having a good time already.  I quickly got changed out of my dress and put something else on that was dry and went to join everyone else. There was loads of food being cooked on the barbecue and my Mum had hung party lights on a gazebo outside, just as well we had it otherwise we would have been soaked at home too!  Karen’s special chilli con carne went down a treat because it was hot and spicy.  The rain stopped later on so it was quite a nice night for everyone to enjoy themselves.  We had music and lots of juice for the kids, and other juice for the adults.

I don’t know what time the party finished, but I know my Mum and Dad had a great time.