Second Swan Song - 2023

I have been involved in some small ways over the years with the Annapolis Heritage Society in Annapolis Royal. 

This past year, I was on the Events Committee. As we - Jillian, Cheryl, Darlene and I sat around the table in the front room of the O'Dell Museum talking about some of the ideas that Jillian had for the coming summer tourist season (and well into the fall and winter), I took a deep breath and asked, "Would you like me to to the queen again?" They kindly said Yes. 

 Husband Bill did a lot of running around getting the costume and then taking me to the start of the parade and then taking lots of photos. He then picked me up at Fort Anne and took me home. 

And so Queen Anne in her carriage with King George 1 (Mark Stubbs) coachman Raymond Longley (who owns the coach), Charlie the 25-year-old mixed breed lovely horse and his owner Jerry went forth on August 7, 2023 in the Annapolis Royal Natal Day Parade. 

We were accompanied on foot by some beautifully costumed ladies including Jillian and Darlene. 

It was very hot. Raymond was dressed in Hawaii-like shorts and talked to everyone in the crowd along the route. Charlie was terrific. Jerry looked after Charlie when he got a little excited about a flag up ahead. King George was kind and a lovely converasionalist during the whole affair which ended up at Fort Anne where the prizes were handed out. We won one but we're not sure which one because Raymond was talking loudly to a fan. 

I figured I could be the queen more time for the sake of AHS and I think it was a good idea. Here are some photos from the day. 

A few getting dressed. Pretty ghastly!

A few from the parade - the ladies in front; our little gang at the corner by The Academy; and our final stop at Fort Anne.

THE END

The Swan Song for the 300th Anniversary Celebrations

While this will be the swan song for the 300th anniversary celebrations on this blog, I thought you’d like to know that the Queen has been invited to a few other events both later this year and into next year. She has been very popular.

People have been very kind and wished her well at all turns. From the lovely little girls at Upper Clements Park who whispered so quietly that they liked my dress to all the people along the parade routes and the visitors who just happened by and wanted a photo with the Queen, it has been a delight. Our charming and gracious Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis took it all in stride and I understand she had a wonderful time at the two events she was able to attend.

I would like to thank the 300 team members who come to meetings, give of their ideas and their hands, laugh and work very hard – all for the delight we see on people’s faces. Linda Brown, our Prime Minister; Amery Boyer, our Chancellor of the Exchequer and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough; Grace Butland, our Marketing Manager; Caroline Bosley, our Music Advisor and Abigail, Baroness Masham; Millie Hawes, the Royal Costumière; Heather LeBlanc and Kathie Fearon, General Factotums all make working together a delight for me, Anne Crossman, Queen Anne. There were all the folks at the Annapolis Royal Town Hall who put up with all our antics and changing routines and helped us in many ways – always with a smile. Thanks to our funders and sponsors who helped us in so many ways.

So here are some candid photos from our lovely volunteer celebratory evening at the Annapolis Royal Legion. Because you MUST remember that this whole year’s events had NO paid staff. This was done for the love of area in which we live.

Long Live Our Queen and All Her Household!

300 Years of Anglican Services in Annapolis Royal

On Sunday, October 10, 2010, there was a special service at St. Luke's Anglican Church in Annapolis Royal. Here is a great website where my friend Trish Fry has captured the event in pictures - http://thegardenshutterbug.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/a-300th-anniversary-at-st-lukes/. Trish is a terrific photographer and has docmented many places and events around her town over the years.

European Heritage Day at Fort Anne - August 29, 2010

It was a big day today in Annapolis Royal. Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis was able to be with us as we celebrated our various backgrounds which make up this wonderful community. There was a fashion show of costumed folks from down through the years assisted ably by Millie Hawes. Alan Melanson was the Master of Ceremonies and we had the Honourable Ramona Jennex of the Nova Scotia government on hand as well.

The queen and her entourage arrived in her carriage and then the carriage brought our Lt. Governor to the stand.

Here are some of the photos taken of the day - a very hot and humid day I might add - but an excellent event. I should add that the Lt. Governor had a wonderful time making a poker with Brad Hall, a local sculptor and sometime blacksmith.

Queen Anne in the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Parade

August 16, 2010 - It was amazing. It was very long. There were huge crowds lining the parade route in Lawrencetown. All the dignitaries were there - MP, MLA, Mayors, etc. And we were float number 106. This appearance was for Raymond Longley, our trusted coachman. He requested our appearance to help him celebrate his 54th year in the parade and at the Ex. How could we resist.

So the Duchess, Amery Boyer; a new jester, Mike Fearon; Jon Percy and Michael McCarty, the footmen and I (the queen) started at 6:50 pm and made our way down the main road in the beautiful carriage pulled by our favourite mare Bonnie through Lawrencetown to the exhibition grandstand.

We arrived around 8:30 and were greeted by a full house and a beautiful red ribbon with Judge's Choice First Prize. How about that! We were quite thrilled! Here are a couple of photos taken by a friend and neighbour Philip Hyam and Larry Powell of The Spectator.

By the way, the lady in the blue shirt with the miniature horse was not part of our entourage. It was interesting that Bonnie didn't like those little horses. But the kids along the way just loved them.

Meeting My Loyal Subjects at Upper Clements Park

August 15, 2010 - The day was beautiful, the Royal Household was in attendance, the Juggler juggled amazingly, the English Country Dancers were a real treat, the Cake was spectacular and the beautiful small subjects (and the larger ones too, of course) were delightful. Here are some photos of the Sunday afternoon at the park.

Queen Anne's Picnic

August 8, 2010 - Bishop Park, Round Hill, Nova Scotia - An excellent time was had by all at the Queen's Picnic. The people who probably enjoyed the afternoon the most were all the children and the Royal Coachman, Raymond Longley with his lovely mare Bonnie and the beautiful Carriage. A visitor from Vancouver posted a video overnight on the event. You can see it at http://www.vanramblings.com/annapolis-royal-celebrates-queen-annes-birthday.html. It certainly gives a good sense of the afternoon. Thanks to all who came.