Anthea Turner How I See It...

Hello,

What a joy it is to read this week’s magazine dedicated to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I’m normally late to the party when it comes to making plans but to be honest, nearly everyone I’ve spoken to has their day mapped out; ranging from gluing themselves to the TV with tea and cake to street parties awash with bubbles, barbecues and everything in-between. Even nonroyalists won’t be able to resist a sneaky peak.

Living in central London when there’s a state event taking place can either be a nightmare or a blessing and for this one, Mark and I are going to totally embrace the occasion. We’re pumping up the bike tyres, putting a picnic and portable charger in our backpacks and will get right in the thick of it because in our lifetime we will never witness anything like this again. We’re seizing the day and making memories even if it rains.

TIME AND SPACE

Maybe the reason I’m thinking like this is because since my mum died last month the abuse of our most precious commodity, time, has hit me like a wet fish. Every day we moan, feel sad, make ourselves cross – we’ll never get that time back. Tell me if you relate to this? I was helping my dad clear the kitchen out in an effort to make his solo domestic life easier. “Are you ever going to make a cake, Dad?” “No,” he said. “So let’s say goodbye to all this equipment and spread out the items you actually do use so it’s easier to find them.”

The Turners hail from Stoke on Trent so crockery is in abundance and Mum couldn’t resist a tea set. “Dad, what about this Royal Doulton dinner service?” “That’s for best,” he said. “And these beautiful glasses? When was the last time you used them?” Hmm, about seven years ago.

I’ll say to you what I said to Dad. We’ve reached the age when every day is our best day so why not reflect that in the way you live? Don’t pack nice things away, use them. Be your own guest. Why should you be the one to use the cup with a chip in? This also goes for clothes. We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, so why not shop around in your own wardrobe and start dressing up a little? If you can’t be royalty in your own home, where can you be?

I hope you enjoy the celebrations in honour of our beautiful Queen but more importantly be the Queen today, tomorrow and for the rest of your life.

Love, Anthea X