The Society sends its warmest congratulations to HM The Queen on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee next month.
To celebrate this 70th anniversary, we asked Milly Johnson, Vice President of the Society, to write a poem on behalf of the people of Yorkshire to mark the occasion. A video of Milly performing the poem, in her own inimitable style, is coming soon but for now, here are the words.
A Job Well Done
I used to think the easiest job
Of all was to be Queen
Waving through the window
Of a long, sleek limousine
Shaking hands with film stars
In a glittery sequinned gown
Looking a million dollars
In a jewel-encrusted crown
The best box at the theatre
The prime seat at the races
A choice of royal castles
In so many stunning places
Riding on your plush royal train
The height of luxury
Stopping off in Yorkshire though
To taste the world’s best tea
But as I’ve grown I’ve realised
The amount of dedication
It must take to be a monarch
At the head of a great nation
To pin a smile upon your face
When you’re not feeling your best
When you have to meet and mingle
Though you’re ready for a rest
To travel round the globe
When your dearest wish would be
To chill at home with loved ones
In front of a TV
The spotlight always on you
You can’t escape the glare
Even when your heart is breaking
‘Cause your strength and stay ain’t there
To sacrifice your own wants
For the greater good of us
And doing what you have to
With no drama and no fuss
Being dignified and steadfast
Working all the days God gave
Showing politicians everywhere
The way they should behave
And when you’re out among folk
Your presence is a gift
A little touch of magic
In lives that need a lift
It’s a job that few could do
So how lucky have we been
For seventy cracking years
To have had you as our Queen
Our fond, familiar backdrop
Our constant and our calm
The rock that we all turn to
When our worlds are wracked by harm
Our bastion of common strength
Our unifying force
Our compass in unstable times
That keeps the ship on course
Our love and thanks are yours
I hope that’s plain to see
Now, and in the years beyond
Your Platinum Jubilee