Notes added above; with reflection of a former age, compared to today.
Let's have your opinions.
1937
The Coronation of King George VI
and
Queen Elizabeth (later, The Queen Mother)
Following the death of his father, King George V, the people's King,
(a man who took part in everything and made contact with the people in much the same way as Lady Diana did later),
a blip of King Edward VIII and his romance, ended in abdication,
the Throne fell to King George VI, an unwell man, who took office with duty and with determination for the Nation.
His wife was to become well nigh a National Institution.
This was a time when people were all on much of an even keel,
this was not the time of keeping up with the Jones' nor our present day must have it to survive myth.
Poverty was rife, work ethic was strong, National Pride was not a Politically Correct anathema.
People were generally happy and did not need asking to help or be a part of anything that benefitted the community.
They were always busy with work or with friends.
This was the time when Government and Unions did something.
A time when Industry brought national income, without the need for high taxes.
But this was before World War II.
Two years later and Europe was plunged into deprivation and conflict, into death, destruction and Loss.
The British stood side by side in a common aim. With spirit and determination.
That has now gone.
The present generations need to reflect on just how tenuous the bubble now is.
And what sacrifice was made for this new freedom .
We do not need all the luxuries that society and media suggest we do.
It has turned humanity into a selfish greedy demanding spoilt child.
There is an incredible demand for the vapid, the passing pleasure, with no lasting satisfaction.
That generates a society with no purpose.
Time was that the cry was For God, King and Country!! - So many people have no creed or purpose now.
The results are obvious.
In 1937 ...
The community spirit and the benificence of the local gentry and council is clear in the programme of events.
For my own part, I remember seeing just the one true firework display, as a child. It was in the Recreation Grounds.
Now, firework displays are a quick whizz-bang, crash wallop and goodnight.
All noise, light and no substance. Rather like most television programmes.
Those displays were lovingly created and fashioned into full set pieces. See Page 6.
Penzance is lucky in the fact of Golowan, all the preparation and work, the community enjoined in a common purpose,
if only every day was like that. Golowan is the closest we get to the spirit that engendered the society of 1937.
Raymond Forward
