We watched a program on TV last night which talked about the late Queen's visits to Australia and I was delighted when they focused on Wollongong on her first visit in 1954. It was February 12, two days after my eleventh birthday and I was in 6th class at Gwynneville Primary School. We were bused to Wollongong Showgrounds with thousands of other kids. Schools in outlying areas had come in by train and we all waited for hours for her to arrive.
She arrived in Wollongong by train and her car drove down Crown Street, past Waters Department Store, past Herbie Herds, Men's Tailor, past the Spot Cafe, famous for its Ice Cream Spiders, past Walter Lance and Company and Maloufs the Haberdasher and into the Showgrounds. The car was open and the Queen and Prince Philip stood in the back waving to the crowds. The newspapers reported that the school students there were so excited, we broke ranks and rushed forward to get a better look.
The Head Girl of Wollongong High School, Margaret Somebody, made a speech of welcome while trying to control her hat which was trying to escape into the strong wind.
After a few words, the royal couple left and were driven to Slacky Flat where another crowd of kids, including Marilyn, were waiting in anticipation.
Sixty-eight years ago and it seems like yesterday (I've always wanted to say that).
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