Next month will mark a momentous moment in our history, the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Not many of us will remember the coronation of the late Queen but this is a great opportunity to bring communities together.
State occasions in the UK are always full of impressive pageantry with a chance to show another side to the work of our Armed Forces and the dedication they show to every aspect of their work. This occasion has the interesting addition of highlighting the environmental concerns of this King. With the artwork of the coronation invitations using the folkloric figure of the “green man” and indigenous UK flora.
The Coronation will take place on Saturday 6th May at Westminster Abbey. On the Sunday, there are plans for the whole country to take part in the Coronation Big Lunch, for communities and neighbours to come together, share food, and have fun. Many communities are still reeling from the impact of the lockdowns on their professional and personal lives, but this is a fantastic opportunity to put some of that hardship behind us and to start afresh with our neighbours. I think the lockdown showed all of us the importance of good neighbours and the benefits from having a friendly and close network within communities to provide support and camaraderie. The Coronation Big Lunch is a chance to us to celebrate those networks and perhaps even to build new ones.
Another community initiative of the coronation is The Big Help Out. The idea, organised by The Together Coalition and groups such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups across the UK, is to encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and to join the excellent work being undertaken to support their local communities. There are so many wonderful volunteering groups in Bristol; you can find out more on the Bristol Council website or join ‘Can Do Bristol’ to find different volunteering opportunities that will fit in with your schedule and suit your personality and interests.
However you are celebrating the coronation I hope you have a wonderful weekend.