02 June 2012 – Walk: Diamond Jubilee Walk, Exeter (13.6 Miles)

Synopsis: A stroll around Exeter on the weekend of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. A chance to savour the atmosphere of this party weekend, and take measure of how our city commemorates the event.

Photo Set – Flickr

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

[1952]: The Queen delivers her first Christmas Broadcast to the people of the Commonwealth from Sandringham House in Norfolk, 25 December 1952.

[2012]: The Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant - The Queen arrives at Chelsea Pier during the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on the River Thames in London, 3 June 2012. © Press Association

 

 

1952
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2012

I took it upon myself to have a walk around my home city of Exeter, on this rather special weekend, the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Apparently only one other monarch has remained on the throne for sixty years, and that of course being Queen Victoria, great, great grandmother of our present queen.

Respect Festival in Belmont Park adds to the jubilant party spirit of the weekend

Not long into my stroll I came upon quite a party taking place in Belmont Park which I subsequently discovered was the annual Respect Festival. I have to confess to not having been previously aware of this festival, but everyone seemed to be having a fun time, and it was certainly adding considerably to the party atmosphere of the weekend.

 

 

Taunton Leisure, Fore Street

 

 

 

From here I strolled about the city, taking in the various shop windows decorated out in best patriotic tradition. Everywhere I looked there was bunting fluttering in the wind and Union Flags flying. I think the fact that the Queen and Prince Phillip visited Exeter during May helped stoke the patriotic fervour.

A spirit of fun seemed to pervade the city on this weekend, and I feel that in some way a celebratory weekend such as this must be good for the soul of the nation. I saw many a heavily loaded young man struggling to balance his Tesco carriers stuffed with packs of beer. I suspect the best of the partying was yet to come, but that sort of late night partying I leave to the young these days.

Large screen: Standard Def -:- High Def

More Respect Festival photos from This is Exeter: GALLERY: Exeter Respect 2012 - Belmont Park

More Diamond Jubilee stories and photos from This is Exeter: Jubilee round-up, photos, videos and coverage from many of the events in and around Exeter

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 13.6 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 53min
Stopped Time: 1hr 42min
Total Ascent: 352 metres
Maximum Elevation: 74 metres
 
Buses: (none)