Romsley & Hunnington History Society -

Meeting Report - February 2018

In spite of the snow and bitterly cold wind, 31 members of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society attended the meeting on the 27th February when Mary Bodfish gave a talk on, "Darling Elizabeth". This was the story of H.M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who was born on 4th August 1900, the youngest but one of nine children born to the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

Her life was not to be without trials and tribulations but she had a happy and privileged childhood at Glamis Castle and in Hertfordshire, until the outbreak of war in 1914. Her family were part of the elite aristocracy which included, David, the Prince of Wales and his brother, Bertie, the Duke of York. She enjoyed dancing and the social life of the time and as a very beautiful young lady, she was not without her admirers! However, it was the persistent Duke of York who won her hand in marriage on 23rd April 1923.

As the second son of the King, Bertie expected to live a quiet life with his wife and two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, but this was not to be. In 1936 David, now King Edward VIII, fell in love with an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and abdicated. This meant that Bertie and Elizabeth were now King and Queen, a totally unexpected twist of fate.

The King needed a lot of support from Elizabeth as they faced the Second World War in 1939. They became very popular with the people of the United Kingdom, but sadly the King's health began to fail and he died in 1952. Elizabeth, a widow at 52, began a new life as the Queen Mother. She continued to carry out her royal duties and supported and encouraged her daughter, who was now Queen Elizabeth II, for many years until she died, aged 101, in 2002. She had led an extraordinary life, ruled by duty and love.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 27th March when Paul Harrison will give a talk on,"Water from Wales". Everyone is welcome.

Pat Evans