tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post8688308232540347086..comments2024-03-28T20:17:55.283+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Australian Designer, creativity and passion … new Royal Carriage, Ceremonial events ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-36286659208072188312014-06-20T21:39:38.269+01:002014-06-20T21:39:38.269+01:00She really is an amazing woman. I can't even c...She really is an amazing woman. I can't even count how many Prime Ministers she's had or how many heads of state she's dealt with. <br /><br />I didn't realize she spoke "perfect" French, but again she's impressive on all scores.cleemckenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-79478984892819921882014-06-19T20:09:39.993+01:002014-06-19T20:09:39.993+01:00It had to have been a labor of love to create such...It had to have been a labor of love to create such beauty and detail. How much love in someone's heart, and perhaps pride and passion, am always impressed to see. The gold chariot .. so very, very beautiful. Silvia Writeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14437144517262211712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-8039410538786323332014-06-19T08:23:50.001+01:002014-06-19T08:23:50.001+01:00@ Crystal - wouldn't it be lovely to be able t...@ Crystal - wouldn't it be lovely to be able to have a ride in the coach ... sadly unlikely ever to be!<br /><br />Would it be bumpy - no: the wheels - traditionally made of wood, these are cast in longer-lasting-aircraft aluminium by Australian racing car designer, Terry Sainty, and have roller bearings to ensure the smoothest ride ... <br /><br />So probably the best ride the Queen has ever had in a carriage ...<br /><br />@ Mary - wouldn't it be amazing to ride even in Sydney's golden chariot .. <br /><br />I suspect like us - their birthdays pass them by now - except for the odd fanfare!<br /><br />@ Sara - thankfully the details were published .. but I just wanted to put some of them down here - because the thought and the historical elements are so fascinating ... a mini history lesson in a carriage ... <br /><br />I haven't seen Royal Ascot yet - but I might look today .. I love seeing the carriages arrive. Interesting to know there's an American station that covers the racing at Ascot ... EARLY - time to rise and shine and collapse with some tea or coffee!!<br /><br />Glad you enjoyed the post .. thanks .. <br /><br />@ Al - I bet your dwarves wouldn't mind polishing this carriage up everyday for Her Maj - let alone Mother Dragon ... <br /><br />Thanks Al for coming over .. <br /><br />@ Trisha - very happy to answer - I thought it was in an earlier post .. but perhaps I omitted the details ... next year I might remember to put it in a post! But am happy I answered for you .. <br /><br />Cheers everyone - today is brilliant clear blue down here on the south coast ... and the Gold Cup race is on at Royal Ascot today .. the Queen, as owner, won last year .... HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87246350993073298822014-06-19T01:17:09.524+01:002014-06-19T01:17:09.524+01:00Thanks for answering my question(s) so thoroughly ...Thanks for answering my question(s) so thoroughly :)Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927558937796802496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50539750281917437422014-06-19T00:48:39.740+01:002014-06-19T00:48:39.740+01:00That coach is just amazing. The details, the artwo...That coach is just amazing. The details, the artwork, wow! I know the dwarves would go crazy if we had one like that in our treasure. :) Dragon Hugs, Hilary!Al Diazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08107619009321980764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5740593672662659182014-06-18T21:49:03.815+01:002014-06-18T21:49:03.815+01:00Wow. It is amazing what went into building that ca...Wow. It is amazing what went into building that carriage and I don't only mean the materials...the use of such important things, like the metalwork from the battlefields are also potent reminders. <br /><br />I was very impressed with the detail you gave us in this post. Jim Freckington is an amazing craftsman! I hope you'll also report on his new project when it's completed:~)<br /><br />I love watching Royal Ascot and seeing the carriages arrive. Somehow, it's almost feels like stepping back in time. We have a racing station in the States that covers it, but it is EARLY in the morning! <br /><br />Another excellent and interesting post, Hilary. Thanks:~)Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15995684156785464334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32346062388787289202014-06-18T19:21:40.096+01:002014-06-18T19:21:40.096+01:00I'd love a golden chariot. Nice.
Happy Birth...I'd love a golden chariot. Nice. <br /><br />Happy Birthday to the Duke and the Queen.M Paxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096697282530998519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-55660155282856626632014-06-18T15:12:22.781+01:002014-06-18T15:12:22.781+01:00I want to go for a ride in that carriage! Would it...I want to go for a ride in that carriage! Would it be terribly bumpy, do you think? Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-33158562992878399242014-06-18T14:00:54.695+01:002014-06-18T14:00:54.695+01:00Hi Trisha .. I imagine you get a fair bit of Royal...Hi Trisha .. I imagine you get a fair bit of Royal news and that Frecklington's amazing creation would have headlined .. yes I agree cute name (interesting name too) ... <br /><br />The Sovereign's birthday has been celebrated since 1748 - when, why or for whom - presumably George II ... <br /><br />But it was Edward VII whose birthday was in November changed the ceremony to summer in the hope of good weather ... so now the Sovereign's official birthday falls on the first, second or third Saturday in June (usually not the 3rd) ... <br /><br />It is marked by the Trooping of the Colour, which is also known as the Queen's Birthday Parade ... <br /><br />Western Australia's date is different from Australia's as whole as Western Australia Day/Foundation Day occur on the first Monday in June ... <br /><br />But for more see Wiki: Queen's Official Birthday .. <br /><br />In fact the Governor proclaims when the Queen's birthday will be celebrated on each year to tie in with school terms and the Perth Royal Show!! <br /><br />Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29629541213820708702014-06-18T12:34:48.920+01:002014-06-18T12:34:48.920+01:00We do get a lot of English news, or in particular ...We do get a lot of English news, or in particular Royal news, here in Australia still - so this story definitely made the news here, and Frecklington (cute name!) was the main part of the news.<br /><br />Do you know why the birthday is celebrated in June? Was it another Queen's b'day originally? I know we have a public holiday here in Western Australia on June 1st, for the Queen's b'day.Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927558937796802496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-73648057597846221782014-06-18T09:00:44.956+01:002014-06-18T09:00:44.956+01:00@ Rhonda - thanks .. I just had to write about it ...@ Rhonda - thanks .. I just had to write about it .. and door knobs -oh well add that in to the list of NZ oddities!! Must be the workmanship in creating these door handles - but NZ featured ...<br /><br />@ Teresa - the carriage is quite extraordinary isn't it - <br /><br />Well riding around your neighbourhood in one of these carriages would set you apart - and on top of that you could spy on everyone with the coach-cam .. I can imagine that .. fun thought!<br /><br />@ Gary - good to see you .. and I'm so glad you appreciate the contents. The people of Leek would be totally bemused to see the coach .. and you very proudly sitting in it! Penny beside you .. fun thought .. <br /><br />@ Julie - the Queen and Pr Philip are great examples to us all - and they enjoy good health thankfully. <br /><br />I just think the whole project is extraordinary .. and how lucky we are to be able to see work like this ... I will get to Buck Pal to see the coach at the Mews - in due course ... <br /><br />Thanks to you all - lovely to see everyone .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57822304134112569932014-06-18T07:43:04.577+01:002014-06-18T07:43:04.577+01:00It's amazing how active Prince Phillip and the...It's amazing how active Prince Phillip and the Queen still are. What a gorgeous coach! Every part of the intricate craftsmanship is a piece of history. Hilary, thanks for the lovely photos too!<br /><br />JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-80444554365268831092014-06-17T16:48:32.073+01:002014-06-17T16:48:32.073+01:00Hi Hilary,
A lot of pomp and pageantry. You are a...Hi Hilary,<br /><br />A lot of pomp and pageantry. You are always meticulous in your details and it makes for reading that I would never research. A fascinating insight into the Queen.<br /><br />I wonder if I could get a coach like that. I'd bet I get a few perplexed looks. Thank you for this, my kind friend.<br /><br />Gary klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-46852214336588770762014-06-17T14:38:41.262+01:002014-06-17T14:38:41.262+01:00Artistry! Absolutely amazing.
I wonder if I'...Artistry! Absolutely amazing. <br /><br />I wonder if I'd get "looks" riding a golden carriage around the back roads of our county? T. Powell Coltrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160774009926623671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5426038152274814452014-06-17T10:27:54.936+01:002014-06-17T10:27:54.936+01:00Another wonderful post. Love the carriage, althoug...Another wonderful post. Love the carriage, although I didn't know that New Zealand was famous for door knobs. Rhonda Albomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455873487349816911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-77544838276379775862014-06-17T07:37:33.397+01:002014-06-17T07:37:33.397+01:00@ Rosie - I know .. my mind boggled at ten coats o...@ Rosie - I know .. my mind boggled at ten coats of paint!! Delighted your hubbie loved his visit to our shores .. <br /><br />The Queen has lots of horses - I wrote quite a lot about her horses - the counter-balance to monarchy .. in early June 2013 - should you want to pop over the read.<br /><br />@ Nat - thank you .. we do do Ceremony and Pageantry rather well based on all our traditions of history. I think the documentary on Prince Philip's mother must have come out for his 90th .. I expect it'll be shown again.<br /><br />Well - it will be lovely to see you over here .. should you be able to make a plan .. so pleased my posts inspire .. <br /><br />@ Lena - I like to write occasionally and especially for the big occasions .. which keeps a tab on Royal comings and goings.<br /><br />Yes - the Aussie man worked wonders - and he must be so passionate about his life .. his carriages, horses etc etc .. It was interesting to learn he'd emigrated in the 1850s .. I would have thought not many made that journey then .. <br /><br />So pleased you enjoyed the post!<br /><br />@ Annalisa - yes a story book of history in a carriage .. <br /><br />@ Karen - no my birthdays don't belong in those dizzy heights - I'd rather have a few close friends and family around .. <br /><br />Glad you enjoyed reading up on the carriage .. and like me to know the senior royals are doing so well .. <br /><br />Thanks so much .. typical summer's day here .. cloudy, muggyish with some sunshine later on I hope! Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-15903220463616784612014-06-17T03:38:10.795+01:002014-06-17T03:38:10.795+01:00What an impressive celebration! I cannot say that ...What an impressive celebration! I cannot say that any of my birthdays have had quite that level of fanfare. How about you? Perhaps someday, right? :) <br /><br />Thanks so much for sharing the details of this interesting event. It really is something to see the royal family doing so well. Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-70326145501289331192014-06-16T22:12:43.663+01:002014-06-16T22:12:43.663+01:00There really is a lot of history commemorated in t...There really is a lot of history commemorated in that carriage!Annalisa Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943610814274794998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89189178842164277062014-06-16T20:55:39.672+01:002014-06-16T20:55:39.672+01:00Thank you for all these details Hilary! I never g...Thank you for all these details Hilary! I never get to hear about the Queen now that I live in the US// but having read this, I feel up to date! :)<br /><br />I also feel very proud of my fellow Aussie! WOOT WOOT. What a champion! (I love how you added that he is a TRUE Aussie - having emigrated in the 1850's! Good to know he's not a first gen ex-pat!!)<br /><br />All the best Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12220918718505362942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-71860494930732829982014-06-16T17:26:36.955+01:002014-06-16T17:26:36.955+01:00Just in time, Hilary, to compliment your post. &q...Just in time, Hilary, to compliment your post. "Why I love the UK," --so much more to write. I did see the documentary about Queen Marie, Prince Phillip's mother--worth seeing again. I am jealous, so want to be in the UK again and stay awhile. Perhaps I can make it happen. Your posts inspire that longing.loverofwordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05763349886822924646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-62391121628587822712014-06-16T16:51:06.187+01:002014-06-16T16:51:06.187+01:00Ten coats of paint!
My husband loves Edinburgh, i...Ten coats of paint!<br /><br />My husband loves Edinburgh, it and London are his favorite places to have visited ever.<br /><br />I think it's very awesome that the queen has a horse. :)mail4roseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-68142373832320615022014-06-16T14:13:53.038+01:002014-06-16T14:13:53.038+01:00@ Diane - incredibly workmanship isn't it - an...@ Diane - incredibly workmanship isn't it - and the coach-cam is a delight - I hope she gets to use it!<br /><br />@ Joylene - this is a brand new coach "The Diamond Jubilee State Coach" is different to the Gold Coach - that has been on view to the public in the Mews ... the new one I'm sure will on view now ... <br /><br />I haven't seen that documentary on Prince Philip's mother .. but am aware that their history was very difficult and challenging .. so look forward at some stage to hearing more .. <br /><br />@ Susanne - isn't it just so pretty ... these Garden Parties are put on during the summer months for deserving members of the public, trade institutions and people who have contributed to society, dignitaries and celebrities ... there a lot of people in attendance.<br /><br />@ Donna - very clever to be able to dream up such a fantastic concept and create it .. I had to put the chariot in - as I'd never seen it before ... <br /><br />... and yes 8,000 of his closest friends - of course!!!<br /><br />@ Elise - just to be able to draw and make something like this carriage - makes me boggle, as it's something I can't conceive .. <br /><br />Thanks for your thoughts - all's well here .. <br /><br />@ Lynn - the craftmanship is incredible isn't it .. <br /><br />@ Val - you'd appreciate their workmanship having owned a few canal boats in your time .. and I'm pleased for him it's gone into the Royal Collection .. <br /><br />@ Anne - you are so right .. immediately corrected, thank you ... George Cross for Gallantry and Victoria Cross for Valour .. <br /><br />Appreciate you pointing out that error ... <br /><br />Cheers to you all - have a lovely week - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-47514337198574242332014-06-16T13:40:24.291+01:002014-06-16T13:40:24.291+01:00I don't want to be a rat - but isn't the V...I don't want to be a rat - but isn't the Victoria Cross 'for valour'? Surely the George Cross is for gallantry? MorningAJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04719744167307369768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-75422490276345557982014-06-16T12:52:36.863+01:002014-06-16T12:52:36.863+01:00What an array! Very lovely and so beautifully craf...What an array! Very lovely and so beautifully crafted, all of them. Coachwork of that quality is a rarity anywhere these days.Vallypeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08309284606572565277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-34842067523217657112014-06-16T11:26:33.299+01:002014-06-16T11:26:33.299+01:00The craftsmenship for those coaches is amazing.The craftsmenship for those coaches is amazing.Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13984802196897920610noreply@blogger.com