Northern Rivers Local News
Saved her royal china from the flood

Saved her royal china from the flood
By Samantha Elley
When Linda Barney Dowdall had to evacuate her Coraki home from the February floods, some of her items high on her priority list to save, was her royal memorabilia.
Now at the passing of the second longest reigning monarch in the world, Queen Elizabeth II, those items have become even more precious to Linda.
“It has staggered me how (Queen Elizabeth’s death) has affected me,” she said.
“I know she has looked so fragile for the last few days, but it still came as a shock.
“I am 70 years old this year, so I am a platinum baby. I love telling people that. She has always been there.”
Linda unashamedly admits to being an ardent monarchist, along with her parents before her.
“I come from East London and both the Queen Mother, and the Queen had visited there,” she said.
“When Harry and Meghan got married, we threw a high tea and now we live at Kyogle (in evacuation accommodation), we had a Platinum Jubilee high tea.
“I love an excuse for a high tea.”
Despite the floods destroying all Linda’s books on the royals, the China was saved.
“A couple of friends rescued all my China,” she said.
“I had them all covered in sewage-flavoured mud, so I rinsed them with warm soapy water, then rinsed them with white vinegar and warm water, dried them and they came up beautiful and all sparkly, so I didn’t have to throw them out.”
Her collection includes cups and saucers from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a mug from the Silver Jubilee and even a cup and saucer from the Coronation.
“Every time I’ve been home to London, I’ve picked up a few pieces or I get friends to bring some in their hand luggage when they come to Australia,” she said.
Plans are already in the pipeline for the upcoming funeral.
“I might invite my Coraki friends here and talk about the good aspects of the Queen,” she said.
“Effectively we will show respect and have a small wake.
“The last time we had a high tea for the Queen we wore tiaras, I think this time I will make halos.”
***
Local historian Helen Trustum of Bentley is another ardent monarchist whose collection of royal memorabilia extends over five decades.
“(This is) a very sad day indeed, losing our beloved Queen,” she said.
“I have been collecting souvenirs for 50 years.”
Helen has a number of favourite pieces from her vast collection.
“The Royal Dalton pieces are beautiful, of the Queen’s wedding and Coronation,” she said.
“The China plate with the Queen Mother with Elizabeth and Margaret is another favourite.”
As a young student at Tuckurimba Public School Helen remembers honouring the Queen.
“Memories of school days when we would sing God Save the Queen,” she said.
“Our teacher Jim Ormond would hit the tuning fork ready for us to start singing.
“I also remember the time of the Coronation when they had a Queen competition in Coraki.
“I was only eight (and) we had a Prince Phillip, Charles and Anne. I was Queen Elizabeth.”
Helen remembers the Queen and Prince Phillip arriving in Australian in February 1954 and all the Tuckurimba School children were taken to Coraki to see her drive through from Evans Head.
“That night we went to see her (in Lismore) as she came out on the Gollan Hotel balcony,” she said.
“Our generation are feeling it this morning because the Queen has been so much of our lives.
“In fact, practically part of the family.
“RIP Your Majesty.”
Breakout story – Longest serving monarchs
- Louis XIV of France reigned from 14 May 1643 to 1 September 1715 – 72 years, 110 days.
- Elizabeth II of British Commonwealth reigned from 6 February 1952 to 8 September 2022 – 70 years, 214 days.
- Rama IX of Thailand reigned from 9 June 1946 to 13 October 2016 – 70 years, 126 days
- Johan II of Lichtenstein reigned from 12 November 1858 to 11 February 1929 – 79 years, 91 days
- Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II of Kedah (Malaysia) reigned from 15 February 1710 to 23 September 1778 – 68 years, 220 days
Breaking News
Casino Couple Almost Bin $95,000 Winning Keno Ticket

Breaking News
Official Opening Of Clarence Preschool Celebrates A Bright Future For Local Families

Breaking News
Measles Alert Issued for Lismore

Breaking News
HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

Breaking News
Lismore Community Invited to Shape Reconciliation Action Plan

-
Tweed Shire News2 years ago
A NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News2 years ago
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years ago
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News4 years ago
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Lismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News4 years ago
Vale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham