See below my article in Cranfield Express about Marjorie (Dot) Cotton's invitation to a royal rave up in Windsor Castle. Long overdue recognition for a lot of hard work by Marjorie on the Vill Hall.
Cranfield resident Marjorie Cotton made a special trip to Windsor Castle, last month, as a guest of her Majesty the Queen. The former village GP, now masterminding the village hall refurb, was nominated by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC).
The invitation also reflected the work she has done in setting up the Hands Across Cranfield volunteer scheme. The reception was for those who have worked to support rural communities throughout the United Kingdom. More than 300 people took part. One woman came from the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides.
Marjorie told Cranfield Express she was ‘thrilled’ to receive the invitation: “This recognition will galvanise the village and give it hope,” she said. There was the inevitable panic about what to wear and the excruciating security precautions, including strict photo ID before she could even get inside the Castle.
“They make absolutely sure you are who you say you are.” Once inside, however, the ancient glories of the Royal Household were progressively revealed. “We went through the Armoury and the Waterloo Chamber and then into St George’s Hall where the fire broke out in 1992. Everything was fresh and beautifully done. I’m going to come back as a tourist with a guide and study all them paintings.”
Marjorie met the Queen and exchanged the traditional royal small talk. She also chatted to the ladies in waiting who had time for a more extended conversation.
“They were talking about the royal wedding – everyone was so pleased. There was a nice atmosphere and everyone was very welcoming.” The refreshments were, as expected, tiny and exquisite, including little mouthfuls of salmon from the approved royal fisheries, all helped down with a mouthful of champagne.
Delise Ball, chair of Cranfield Parish, said the Royal recognition was long overdue. “Marjorie works really hard for the village but much of it is invisible and everyone is so pleased that she has had this honour.”
2 comments:
Marjorie well deserved the praise given to her. She has worked hard for our village and for the causes she supports and has done so for a number of years. .
Ive lived here since 1996 but my parents both lived here about 5 years before so I have
known Cranfield for 24 years plus. Having lived in Harrow and before that NW London, Cranfield was a breath of fresh air and open spaces which I loved so much. That love has never diminished. I am a Church person and the church of St Peter & St Paul is a truly
lovely church in building and its churchgoers. There are also two other churches and a
Village Hall. The Village Hall holds different activities during the week and on Saturdays
use the hall with its kitchen for events, and for the weekly Saturday morning tea coffee chat and stalls to buy different items...
Having lived here so long and with the London life I had, give me the open country, the village life and the caring community any day!!!
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