On Thursday, June 11th, [1953 - the Coronation took place on June 3rd] a party of fifty boys journeyed to London to see the Decorations with Mr. Waller and Mr. Quinn. The weather was not very favourable, but the boys enjoyed themselves. The 'buses first took us to the Tower where a very interesting hour was spent touring part of the Tower, some of us seeing the Crown Jewels. Most of us also saw and heard a forty-one gun salute being fired in honour of Trooping the Colour.
After dinner, which was eaten in the 'buses because of the weather, the 'buses took us along the Embankment to Big Ben. From there we walked round to the Annexe of the Abbey. As we did not have much time we could not go into it. We then walked to Buckingham Palace, along the Mall, then returned to Trafalgar Square. Down the Mall the decorations were very attractive. In Trafalgar Square we spent about half an hour feeding the pigeons. At last it was time to go from Trafalgar Square to the Victoria Embankment, where we boarded the 'buses for home after a very enjoyable day.
J.W.N.
From the Soham Grammarian Coronation issue, Summer 1953 - If you can add anecdotes or photos about this trip, please contact the editor.