Remembering 6th February 1952 from entries in my teenage 1952 diary, while still a schoolgirl,
and describing them to an assembly ofr Blacklow Brow pupils and staff on the same date in 2018
I enjoyed a wonderful experience at Blacklow Brow,, my identity as Nanna Strawberry clearly
giving the children a special experience. They enjoyed hearing how Sophie had given me this
name because she could not say my name Audrey. Then I gave the children an exercise in
shorthand which my class was doing in 1952. They copied my hand movements while I drew
shorthand symbols with my finger in front of my face, to read as:
'Dear Sirs, Thank you for your letter'.
All the children copied my mirror image writings with great enthusiasm and sensible application.
Then I explained why Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya with Prince Philip in 1952, due to the
King being unwell.
I then read my story to them about the manner my class was informed of the accession of
HM The Queen after her father King George the sixth died while she was in Kenya. The Queen
immediately became our Monarch.. We all went through the story again with role play led by
Mrs Williams to give the children a sense of the importance of this historic event.so long ago.
'Please stand girls, I have some very sad news for you'
All the school immediately stood to attention. So did I.
'King George the Sixth died early this morning.
'The King is Dead. Long Live The Queen'
The schoolchildren repeated in firm voices
'Long Live The Queen'/
The role play was completed by a wonderful rendering by all the children and staff of the
National Anthem, words and music provided by a recording. The children stood to attention,
backs held straight, serious faces all forward facing, and singing in absolute unison in young
clear voices. 'God save our gracious Queen...' Truly beautiful and most memorabil.
Quite incredible for me to experience this 66 years after being present for the original
annoucement and recording those events in my 1952 diary.
It was a privilege to share this special anniversary with the children and staff of Blacklow Brow
Primary School and an experience for them of a major historic event for their country and
our wonderful Queen .
Thank you all.
Nanna Strawberry 6th February 20
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