Dumbarton care home residents recall coronation memories as they celebrate Jubilee

Residents at Crosslet House care home in Dumbarton are celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a number of special events over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The residents, many of whom have personal recollections of Her Majesty’s Coronation in 1953, will enjoy a Royal-themed garden party with treats and musical entertainment provided by local band Toast.

Beth Watts, originally from Renton, was 19 when Queen Elizabeth took the throne and she revealed the part her husband Iain played in the big day.

Beth said: “Iain was a soldier in the Scots Guards and he was among those picked out to be part of the procession escorting the Queen’s carriage to the ceremony.

“I was watching it on TV with my mum and dad at their house in Alexandria, but while we never managed to catch a glimpse of Iain among the crowds we were all proud that he was paying a small part in the occasion.

Beth Watts has special memories of the Queen's coronation (Lennox Herald)

“It was a lovely day. I can see it in my mind still – the Queen sitting in her carriage looking beautiful and everyone around her cheering.

“I remember here in West Dunbartonshire there was a lot of flags and celebrations too and it’s lovely that all these years on we are having another wee party to celebrate.”

Councillor Michelle McGinty, recently appointed chair of the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s committee, visited Crosslet House to meet the residents and staff as festivities got underway.

She said: “It was a pleasure to meet the residents at Crosslet House and share in their memories of the Queen during the early stages of her reign.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the staff who worked hard to make this occasion so special for the residents.

“Every day the dedicated staff at care homes across West Dunbartonshire go above and beyond to meet the needs of the residents in their care.

“This effort by Crosslet House is a shining example of that commitment.

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a truly special and historic moment and in West Dunbartonshire we are delighted to join the rest of the country in marking her 70 years as monarch.”