Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Colne

This week’s column picture captures a magical moment as Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, both smiling broadly, look out from the royal train, as it stands proudly at Colne Railway Station.
Royals in ColneRoyals in Colne
Royals in Colne

The photo, taken by Colner Frank Bineham on the sunny Thursday afternoon of April 14th, 1955, is from the family archive of my Primet School pal (from 1954 to 1958) John Foster of Long Swinden Farm.

The royal visit to East Lancashire that year saw thousands of local folk, both young and old in Nelson and Colne, turn out to give the royal duo a reception of tremendous warmth and great joy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This very picture appears in all the Leader-Times newspapers with the headline: “A day of great rejoicing leaves many happy memories”.

For myself (back then almost 12) the best moment was seeing our young Queen in a royal blue coat board the royal train, headed by the two magnificent steam locomotives, Jubilee class number 45571 “South Africa” and number 45574 “India”.

It was a truly stunning scene I’ll remember with a great civic pride always.