I was queen too!
QUEEN FOR A DAY: Coronation Queen Christine Brearley, seven, with her attendants during celebrations at Parker Road, Thornhill Lees, in 1952.
DECADES have passed but Christine Kane has never forgotten the special role she played during celebrations to mark the Queen’s Coronation.
Aged just seven, she was at the heart of festivities in Thornhill Lees on June 2, 1952.
“Coronation Day is a day I will always remember,” said Mrs Kane (née Brearley).
“I was seven years old and I was crowned Coronation Queen of Parker Road.
“I had four beautiful girls aged around two or three years old who were my attendants.
“As we walked through the estate, one of the girls walked in front of me and carried my crown. There were lots oohs and aahs from the crowds.”
Mrs Kane believes the street party was planned at the local beetle drive and thinks it was there that her name was picked out of a hat.
The party brought the whole neighbourhood together and many people played a part in making it a day to remember.
Mrs Kane said: “A lady who lived in the community made my dress and train. It was white and my train was edged in red. It was beautiful.
“A young man who also lived in the area made my crown which I remember collecting on the day. He was very proud of his handiwork and he had every right to be – it was spectacular.
“My mother, Lucy, had my hair in rags which I slept in all night.”
Mrs Kane now lives in Old Bank Road, Earlsheaton, but speaks fondly of the Coronation party at her childhood home.
“This was in the days when communities were very close,” she said.
“Everyone had a wonderful time. It was very special.”
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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