By Julie Morgan

Last updated at 12:10, Thursday, 31 May 2012

WHILE searching through some old family suitcases, Alison Hogge was surprised to find a dress she wore as Parton’s 1977 Jubilee Queen.

queen for the day: Alison Hogge, with her dress

Alison, nee Casson, was chosen at a contest held at Moresby Hall with around 35 girls taking part. She remembers her friend telling her everyone would be wearing a long dress.

“However, when I turned up I was the only one in a long dress!’’ Alison laughed. Her attendant was Mandy Hewer.

She vividly remembers Jubilee day. “Everyone got involved, from decorating the floats to taking part in the street parties.

“The procession, down streets lined with people, was led by Britannia. It went from the top of Parton to the bottom and finished on the football field where the coronation started.

“My dress, hand-stitched with silver thread, was made by Mary Whitehead and the crown was made by Tamar Addison. The following day there was the biggest street party where we had a fancy dress competition,’’ she said.

“My brothers, David and Bob, had a band called The Changes so they played music all day and we all had a lot of fun.’’

Alison, who is the check-out service manager at Whitehaven’s Tesco, added: “ My parents Mary and Stanley were so proud. It was a day we wouldn’t forget. After my speech I was presented with a silver locket which I still have.’’

She is now planning her own Jubilee party, with family and friends, which will see the dress taking pride of place!

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 31 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk