Published on Tuesday, 14 July 2020 at 3:13:00 PM
Queen Elizabeth II Alights at Geraldton by Lorin Cox
Queen Elizabeth II was given a warm welcome during her very first visit to Geraldton not only by Geraldton locals but excited folks from throughout WA. This memory contributed by Jeannine Nolan in 2014 to the Geraldton Regional Library Local History I Remember When program is one example of the West Australian community’s dedication to catching a glimpse of the Royal party.
“The Division and District Commissioners of the Girl Guides and Brownies invited us from across the whole region to join the large welcome which was expected for the royal visit to Geraldton on 24 March 1963. So the Brown Owl and Tawny Owl leaders of the churches of Christ Aboriginal mission in Carnarvon drove the brownies down in the Bedford school bus for the occasion. Mrs Annie Fong was the divisional commissioner at the time, and she had arranged for us to be billeted with Geraldton families including in her home. At last, we took our place on the wharf and we were ready to wave and cheer the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. Everyone’s uniform was immaculate – just in case she came by for a personal royal inspection. Our visitors stepped ashore in full sunshine from the royal barge to be welcomed by a huge enthusiastic crowd of well-wishes waving flags.”
The scene from the port is featured and shows Queen Elizabeth II in conversation with a gentleman who appears to be Mayor C.S. Eadon Clarke. Could that be the Girl Guides and Brownies in the background?
Image courtesy of Slim Thomas, I Remember When caption by Jeannine Nolan.
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