Evelyn’s love for the Queen on display for all

EVELYN Chetland was a youngster growing up on a farm at Kongwak when she already had a fascination for the monarchy.

The defining moment came when her mother told her, “You will not be going to school today, the king died last night.” 

Two years earlier at the age of seven, she received a book with the title ‘Our Royal Family’ which featured King George VI, his queen Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and the two princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of York.

She treasured it, reading it thoroughly and regularly. 

Evelyn said she closely followed Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation and became involved in a procession with the ‘Brownies’ in Kongwak. 

It was a big day for the small village, the march starting at the grocery store, over the road from the milk factory, and to the town hall opposite the primary school. 

Evelyn planted a tree with two other girls from the Brownies in front of the hall, which still grows there today.

Evelyn said, “After the coronation, the Victorian Education Department gave each student a photo of the Queen, a booklet about the crown jewels, a concertina book of the coronation showing the procession of the house guard and mounted troops and golden carriage, medals and a coronation flag. 

“The death of the Queen is very sad for all of us but thanks to the Australian media, we have watched King Charles III mature into the person he is today. 

“To me, he is fair dinkum and will do his best to serve Britain, Australia and the Commonwealth nations until his death.

“Long Live the King.” 

Evelyn’s royal collection, including the items mentioned in this article, will be on display at the Memorial Service to celebrate the life of the Queen on Thursday, September 22, at Grace Chapel in Archies Creek, starting at 9.30am. 
All are welcome to attend, and high tea will be served following the service.