Letter: Coronation was my kind of Marmite

Sir – Last weekend was definitely a ‘Marmite’ time in the UK where the coronation celebrations were concerned.

Personally, I liked all of it, especially the immaculate precision of our armed forces. So many good things came out of last weekend, including the Big Lunch and the Big Help.

Communities converged in street parties, talking about the common theme of the coronation. Food was shared, and enjoyed. We all need a common bond to start the conversation, especially if we’ve never met before, and this was an ideal time.

Just look at all the street campers beforehand, talking and sharing amongst each other, never mind the rain. The same thing happened when thousands of people queued to pay their respects all over the UK, on the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Also another good thing is the Big Help Out, with a common bond, encouraging people to volunteer. I expect they’ll be lots clearing up after the crowds. Many of us volunteer and find the experience very rewarding. Building friendships, counteracting loneliness, and developing new skills for example.

We may moan and groan about the astronomical cost of these celebrations, but there is no denying that one of the things we do perfectly is put on a good pageant! That is our ‘Soft Power’ globally.

Sarah Kelly,
Hordle