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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 12 May: The Great Day

The Great Day

Wednesday, 12 May 1937

Up at 4 o’clock. Had breakfast at 4.30, left house by 5, in Strand before 6. Very cloudy, rain kept off until 3.30 then came down very heavy as the Gold Coach passed A very wonderful day, enjoyed every minute of it. Got very wet before I got back about 6. In heavy rain all the time. London like a rubbish tip. Papers and remains of food everywhere in slush. Heard the King broadcast at night. Glad to get to bed feeling awfully done up. Not sleeping too good at present.

Note: Movie “The King’s Speech” depicts the time period in London in which Thirza visited and the Coronation speech

See BBC video on Youtube which shows the weather and the Gold Coach

BBC TV – King George Coronation 1937 (Aussiebeachut Channel)

Also

King George VI Coronation, Special Release! 1937/5/18 (Universal Newsreels)

and

George VI Heartfelt Coronation Speech and Procession, 1937 [HD] (BRITISHPATHÉ.COM)

 

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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 11 May: Reception at the Ladies’ Army and Navy Club

Tuesday, 11 May 1937

Very wet today. Did some laundry work, and tidying up of cases. Had lunch over the road. Then to Army & Navy Club to reception by Mr & Mrs Heath, Attorney General [actually the Agent-General, Albert Edward Heath] for New South Wales, living in London. All Sydney at it. Met Mr Davison & his mother. Back 130 for dinner. Went to bed early. Raining off and on all day.

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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 9 May: Day trip to Canterbury

Sunday, 9 May 1937

Raining slightly, met the crowd. Left Victoria Station at 10.30 for Canterbury. Had lunch on train. Went through the famous cathedral and then walked all over Canterbury in the rain. Cold, had afternoon tea. Got back to train at 5, home by 8.30 and started cleaning up all the papers I had accumulated on the trip.

Northern part of the old city wall near the Parrot pub which was constructed in 1370 (Feb 2013)

 

Canterbury Cathedral (Feb 2013)

 

The Nave, inside Canterbury Cathedral (Feb 2013)

 

Trinity Chapel, looking towards The Quire, inside Canterbury Cathedral (Feb 2013)

 

Looking towards the cathedral from St Margaret's Street, Canterbury (Feb 2013)

 

Southern part of the old city wall, Canterbury (Feb 2013)

 

High Street, Canterbury, looking towards the West Gate (Feb 2013)

 

The West Gate, Canterbury (Feb 2013)
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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 7 May: Just having a quiet day

Friday, 7 May 1937

Stopped in all the morning.  Just went to town to a news reel, then back again. Just having a quiet day. Everyone passing remarks that I don’t look well. Think I will have to go much slower. Could go to a party tonight, but will go to bed early instead. Writing this lying down, so that accounts for the bad writing.

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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 5 May: Catching up with friends and mail

Wednesday, 5 May 1937

Too tired to get up, stayed in bed until 12.30 then went to Australia House to get my letters. Very upset, none from Bill [Wep]. Met Mr & Mrs Spriggins who arrived back from the continent yesterday. Also met Mabel & Fred Thearle, looking well. Sat all the afternoon yarning then back to 130 for dinner. Had to go to a cocktail party, but was too tired. Went to bed early.

 

 

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Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 4 May: Amsterdam sights then return to Brussels

Tuesday, 4 May 1937

Lovely sunshine, went into town by bus to see the shops. All traffic was stopped so we hopped out too. Saw all King Leopold’s soldiers march out to the Review ground, a most impressive march. Went through all the shops after, got back for lunch at 12.30. Car called at 1 to take us to the train then to Bruges & Ostend, the steamer Princess Astrid for the White Cliffs of Dover. Smooth trip, got back to London at 10. No buses on the road. Had a cup of tea at Lyons, then back to 130. Feeling worn out.

 

[On 21 June 1949, the Princess Astrid sank after striking a mine in the English Channel, three miles off Dunkirk – 1949 ‘BELGIAN STEAMER SUNK.’, Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 – 1954), 23 June, p. 1, viewed 26 April, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42629286 – See article on line at Trove]

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