The Queen & Her Royal Neighbourhood!

I live in a royal neighbourhood.  Many of the streets in our local area are named after members of the royal family.  Elizabeth Avenue, Philip Road, Anne Close, Prince Charles Road,  and my road - Margaret Road!

Before she became Queen the princess toured Devon and Cornwall for the first time in October 1949.  She came to Exeter to mark the start of the Rebuilding of Exeter after the second world war.  The above picture was taken of her in Stoke Hill - I assume it was Elizabeth Avenue - opening our housing estate.  It was said that the houses that were built initially - were built to a higher standard - because she would be inspecting.  She did go into one of the occupied houses on Elizabeth Avenue - so I am told by one of my neighbours.  She also opened Toronto House - a house which was initially used to house retired servicemen.

The Queen has touched the lives of many people - the visit to our area being a boost to morale.  And her influence has lay beneath our culture as a country and runs through it like a stick of rock.

So - she has gone on - and as a mark of her passing - rainbows could be seen around Balmoral.  I think God would say to her - Well Done!  Her life was an example to us all. 

Stopping and pausing to think about the late Queen.  I would like to bring out 5 key aspects which I think marked out her life >>>>

The Queen had no retirement - her role meant unceasing service to her country.  She quietly got on with the demanding business of being Queen right up until her death.  She welcomed in the new prime minister - Liz Truss - days before she passed away.  Her life was a life of privilege, but it came at a high cost - in terms of her responsibilities and the cost in terms of countless public engagements.

The Queen had a quiet resilience - her faith in Jesus sustained her and underpinned her life.  Jesus example helped make her who she was.  Whatever views you have about religion - she was true to hers.  She gave us a small glimpse each Christmas day message - and never forgetting the real meaning of Christmas.

FRUITFUL

The Queen touched the lives of countless people.  The reason she was so dearly held in the mourning of this country - was that everyone had a personal story to tell of how the queen had touched their life - or the life of a friend or relative.  Her influence was dispersed widely.  I think there will be fruit that comes after her death.  Even in the young lives of her own family - as an example to live up to and follow.

It seems the Queen had a wicked sense of humour.  She had a twinkle in her eye with people at times.  We need that in life - to remember not to take ourselves so seriously.  The work of being a Queen must have been boring at times.  But a common theme pulled out by the people that knew her - was that she had a good sense of humour.

The Queen took an interest in others lives.  We all want to know that we are the centre of attention.  I think the Queen made you feel that you were important and she took the time for Prime Ministers and common people alike.  She would stop and talk.  Perhaps it was just small talk.  But in her way she showed an interest.  I expect she would have made a very loyal friend.

And so we mourn her passing and we look on to King Charles - it is an exciting time of change.  I look forward to seeing how he brings his own personality to bear on the role of being King.  Once all the pomp and ceremony has passed - it will be interesting to see if he can hold the public support and loyalty in the way the Queen did.  She will be missed - an example of a dying breed.  The types of person we dearly need now.

Thank you Queen - God Save The King!!

Sage.

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Why not give your garden the 'Kings Treatment' this coming year.  Call me in to tame your out of order borders.  To bring some tranquility to your own little corner of the world.  I will be happy to help you achieve the look and feel that you want in your garden.  Also a big thank you to my loyal customers who are helping me every day become a better gardener.