[MR] Queen's Corner

[Sandi Rust]

<snip>


>So, I have heard that if a person does art and wants to be a Laurel or if a
>person does service and wants to be a Pelican someday, people have been know
>to say “The only reason they do XXX is to become a peer”  BUT, a person is
>not faulted if they fight and say “I plan to be a Knight someday”.  Why is
>that?

I've seen and heard of both situations. There are some out there that *are* out to get a peerage, it is sad, and they are the type that get jaded when their plans and plots fail. But, most of what I see are people just being themselves and doing the good work. It is sad that there are people who think that some are only out doing things to get the "reward" of a peerage, most of the time "Thanks" is enough. 

>I have noticed a lot of trash being left on the field after people remove
>their pavilions which makes for a more time consuming cleanup for the event
>staff.  We can all do our part by picking up our own trash (and that
>includes cigarette butts).

On the Sunday after Crown, Wilhelm and I policed the field, we found about a garbage bag's worth of trash. There were full trash cans though. It was better than a couple of sites I've seen in the past. I do agree with the cigarette butt issue. Personally, I can't handle them, being allergic.
A possible solution is to designated smoking areas with a sand can and a sifter to get the butts out.
Something that reqally bothers me is tobacco smoke. I am allergic; and after a bout with contact bronchitis and then having my bronchial tubes seize, I really try to avoid it as much as possible. I know I am not the only one who is allergic. I don't want to deny folks their pleasure (addiction, whatever), but I have my health to consider. I request that smokers PLEASE don't smoke in the common areas. 


>*Why don't more events hold youth/page A&S competitions?  If we are going to
>legitimately call this a family activity, we need to provide opportunities
>for our children to participate. My daughter routinely makes A&S displays
>and sometimes has had to compete against adults as there were no youth
>contests.  At every event I am going to through the end of our reign, either
>I or Princess Royal Katherine will be willing to sponsor a youth A&S
>competition.  Anyone under age 16.  Please let me know in advance so I can
>arrange to bring a prize.

I feel that youth A&S classes will do better than Youth A&S competitions. I feel that a budding artist needs encouragement instead of competition (although a little competition can be good). 
Oft some of the "critiques" given by some judges are enough to extinguish the tiny flame of creativity in adults, I would hate to see that happen in a child.
Lady Marie Hélène of the New Forest (San)