The Golden Jubilee

First of all could I take this opportunity, in this my first column of the year, of wishing all readers a very happy, peaceful and successful New Year? 2002 is a very special year because next month sees the fiftieth Anniversary of the accession of our Queen and in the summer there will be royal tours, including one to Staffordshire, and celebrations throughout the country.

The Golden Jubilee is an occasion we should all celebrate. Not only is the Queen's reign one of the longest in our history – only four other Monarchs have reigned as long or longer. It has seen more changes than the previous five hundred years. Whenever I contrast the Britain of my school days, and remember the sad news of the death of King George VI and then contemplate the world and the Britain of today, I never cease to be astounded by the number of changes. Many of them are not for the better. People are less community minded than they were in the 1950's. They have, I fear, less of a sense of social responsibility to their neighbours. The family unit has undoubtedly been weakened – and that is the bedrock of any strong and civilised society. Nevertheless there have been exciting developments which have brought material comfort and benefit to millions and for which we all should be duly thankful.

Throughout this period of change the Queen has given a dedicated service to her people which probably marks her out as the most selfless and conscientious of all our many Monarchs. We take her, and the system of constitutional monarchy which she embodies and represents, all too easily for granted. The old saying that you never appreciate anything until you lose it is all too true as anyone who has broken a limb and been out of action for a few weeks will all too readily testify. Those who do all they can to criticise the monarchy and to pour scorn on our institutions should pause and take stock this year and ask themselves whether they really feel that a political figurehead and elected President would serve our country as well.

I believe that the vast majority of British citizens are delighted to be subjects of the Queen and that is why I hope that throughout Staffordshire there will be real celebrations in June and July – just as there were at the time of the Silver Jubilee in 1977. I will certainly be doing all I can to encourage people to celebrate in South Staffordshire. Those of you who are reading this and agree with me and do not know what is planned in your own town or village should get in touch with your local Councils and with voluntary organisations and find out what is planned. If the answer is nothing there is still plenty of time for arrangements to be made.

2002 should be a year in which we all take quiet pride in our country and resolve to take the Queen's example of selfless dedication and leadership as the best of all role models.