Thank you

 Back in 1985 I had just started my first year at college. I was living away from home for the first time and in a bid to step away from the academic world in which I found myself, I started to volunteer at a special needs school in Winchester every Friday afternoon. It was something I enjoyed immensely, and it gave me a chance to become involved in the local community. One particular November afternoon it was cold and showery. The school was situated on the very outskirts of the city and whilst we were aware that the Queen had been carrying out an official engagement that day and roughly when it would be over we weren't sure which way she'd leave.  A few members of staff and a handful of children decided to stand out on the pavement just in case even though there was no one else waiting anywhere near us on the stretch of road. Suddenly a car came towards us and slowed down as it went past....the Queen, resplendent in a bright pink coat and hat, waved at us as she went by. The children were very excited and understood that the wave had been for them. It's not something I've given any thought to for more than forty years, but the sad, if not unexpected passing of our monarch, has brought it to the fore. Whilst I may not be an ardent monarchist, it's going to take some adjusting to not having her here anymore and I shall miss her calm presence. We have raised a glass of sherry this evening in memory of her and all her long years of service to our country.

Arilx