Medal

It’s been almost two years since the King’s Coronation. PY and I spent part of Coronation Day volunteering as wayfinders for visitors on the South Bank. We weren’t swamped on the South Bank. I think most of the crowds went elsewhere, but we met some fascinating people who had travelled from afar and were trying to glimpse a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of Westminster Bridge was either full or screened off for more visitors, so we didn’t have many suggestions when people were looking for somewhere to get a view. We tried to help as much as we could. Later, we came home and watched the whole thing on television. It was wonderful to play a small part in the day, and I think we helped visitors get a little more out of their day than they would otherwise have wandered without guidance.

Therefore, it was a wonderful surprise to receive an email in January telling us that volunteers had been awarded a Coronation Medal. Apparently, it’s a longstanding tradition; medals have been struck to commemorate the Coronation of every British monarch since King Edward VI in 1547, but it was unexpected. We were told of several dates and times when they could be collected. There’s no ceremony or anything formal, except that they had to be collected in person. Yesterday evening, we collected them.

It’s funny how something so simple can make you feel. I volunteer because I enjoy it, and all my volunteer roles are very different from my day job. I prefer options to be outside because I am inside for work. I do many things that involve talking to the public, whereas I speak only to colleagues in my day job (and the current job doesn’t even bring me into much contact with clients). So, my day-to-day can be very insular. And, although most of my volunteering is irregular and a few days a year, it’s something I always enjoy.

This is a memento in recognition of a specific day. I was delighted to have played a small part in it.