Excitement around this Saturday’s Coronation of King Charles III is growing.
It was an absolute pleasure to spend a brief amount of time talking to The King and Queen when they came to Parliament this week.
They both know Stroud and Gloucestershire well. I spoke to The King about his longstanding relationship with WWT Slimbridge and The Queen about her phenomenal campaigning to stop violence against women and girls. I know there will be many events across Stroud, the Valleys and Vale over the bank holiday weekend to celebrate. I thank everyone who has gone out of their way to organise something for their community.
It is going to be an historic day where the whole world will be watching us do something we do rather well - a bit of pomp and ceremony. Let’s hope we have decent weather. I will be out and about visiting some events.
We must remember that we have not had a coronation since 1953 when our much loved and missed Queen Elizabeth was crowned. And there’s not been a King’s Coronation since 1937. That was George VI – the late Queen’s father.
Of course, this coronation will be different from the one 70 years ago. I understand the procession historically started at the Tower of London and went all through the streets but this time it will start at Buckingham Palace. The King is said to be keen to ensure it reflects all aspects of our society this time.
The core of the coronation – the religious ceremony - will remain unchanged as it largely has for a thousand years. That continuity is something to be proud of and it is something few countries can say they have.
Last week I attended my regular meeting with NFU officials and a number of farmers at Godsells Farm in Leonard Stanley.
I was sent away with homework to do including talking to ministers around farmers’ concerns on business rate hikes when they diversify, environmental land management schemes, solar farms and also about food security.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here