Well, I’m no mad monarchist but, for me, Queen Elizabeth II’s death felt like such a momentous day in history.
There I was sitting in my little study slaving over a hot computer with the ever-present news in the background when reports of the Queen’s failing health filtered through.
Blimey, that got my attention, so shades off, headphones on, and constant listening and watching until the inevitable evening announcement.
Not going to lie to you, for someone bordering on the Republican, I felt quite surprisingly emotional when our great British constant was no more.
In my view, the Queen, personally, was the last national institution that hasn’t fallen into disrepair, disregard or distrust.
I thank her for a lifetime of service – end of.
Yeah, yeah, I know it’s easier to do with loads of cash, numerous houses, and being waited on hand, foot and finger, but not many of those other Royals seem to manage it do they.
And what about that bizarre non-stop period of mourning in all its pomp and glory that was unleashed on the public – the like of which we will never see again.
I watched the week on the Telly bemused as flowers, candles, tributes, marmalade sandwiches, and Paddington Bears were laid in central London.
Of course, I viewed the Funeral too, cwtched up at my Sanctuary on an impromptu Bank Holiday.
No other option really as collective Barry didn’t seem big screen bothered.
Mind you, the Council managed to show ‘Grease on the Beach’ so it could have been an option if the appetite was there.
Telling too that out of all the big screen community come-togethers across the country, not one was in Wales – even the Diff dithered.
Although I’m sure, our many socially- minded pubs and clubs put on a bit of a do to let locals get together.
Funeral was fab though fair play. No-one does the big state occasions like us Brits do. Respect to our military and the part they played in the stage craft.
And sweet to see that Her Majesty got, in my view, the send off she so richly deserved.
Don’t really care about the rest of the Royals.
Once the Queen has been laid to rest, the streets swept and the crowds cleared, broken Britain will still remain.
The cost of living crisis carries on, climate change is causing chaos, our NHS is close to collapse, and all parts of our society are suffering in some way.
In my view, it’s time for a long hard look at Monarchy – and our mostly mismanaged public institutions, plus totally out of touch organisations
And press a big fat reset button.
This is the end of a era which I feel could kickstart the controversial change we need.
What do you think.
Mrs SVJ
The Voice of Our Community
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and activist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Also writing exclusively for the Vale’s newest newspaper, and digital platform, The Glamorgan Star, this week’s ‘Passing Comment’ column, an addition to the infamous Sue’s Views collection, can be found here.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.