Web Page 3073 2nd June 2023 First Picture: Front Page TV Guide

Second Picture: Arch in The Mall

Third Picture: Review of the Fleet

Forth Picture: Model Coronation Coach

Fifth Picture: Me, bottom right with the bare knees, as a herald at the Coronation Pageant

Sixth Picture: Maureen’s Coronation certificate

Coronation If one event summed up the hope and aspirations after the World War, it was the Coronation of the late Queen. The nation had been shocked by the early death of her father King George VI in 1952. He had been an immensely popular man The Coronation was eagerly anticipated. People planned trips to London to join the crowd of well-wishers, while others arranged street parties and celebrations at home in their local communities. Woolworth had spotted the opportunity and its Buyers had surpassed themselves. They had cleverly held the price of decorations artificially low, offering Gold Foil Crowns (measuring about 12.5 x 7.5 cm) selling for just 3d (1½p), the royal coat of arms for 9d (4p) and an alphabet of gold letters, including the obligatory E and R, at 6d (2½p) each. Shoppers were encouraged to display their own special messages. Other souvenir items including flags, bunting, tablecloths, mugs, glass plates, china teapots special bars of chocolate were offered at regular prices to balance the margin. The offer as a whole helped to establish F.W. Woolworth as the Coronation store, and secured its reputation with a new generation. Very detailed instructions and photographs were issued to stores, showing how to lay out the windows. Each item was numbered in the photographs to match it to the stock in-store. Each ticket in the picture was left blank, as the prices were kept secret right up to the day when the windows were built. Setting up the displays took each store's window dresser a whole day per window. Everyone agreed it was time well spent, as the results were stunning! Sales of the Coronation Ranges exceeded even the most optimistic expectations at headquarters. From the stockroom to the boardroom, everyone was proud to play a part in the celebrations. Many remember 1953 as the happiest year of their careers. "In a Golden Coach (There's a Heart of Gold)" Words and Music by Ronald Jamieson was a Woolworth customers' favourite. The sheet music was offered in store for two shillings (10p). Almost a million copies were sold. On disc the song became a number one hit for two artists Dickie Valentine and Teddy Johnson. I remember my father decorating the front of our house with flags and bunting. It never crossed my mind as to where the decorations came from until I wrote the above. Stay in touch Peter gssedtor@gmail.com ________________________________________