Saturday 12th May, 2012

18 members of ATS and their guests, led by Executive Committee member Dr. Mike Springate, enjoyed a day excursion to Taplow and Eton in May, celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubuilee and its historic connections with the Thai Royal Family. At historic Taplow Court, in addition to the memorabilia of King Chulalongkorn's celebrated visit in 1897 for the only other Diamond Jubilee in British history, we were guided round an extensive exhibition celebrating King Rama V's host, Lord Desborough "True Hero of the 1908 Olympic Games", with many unique items from its President's successful staging of the games in London. After a satisfying and incredibly inexpensive lunch in SGI-UK's restaurant, and time to explore the extensive gardens in the sunshine (!) the group were bussed down to Eton College, where King Prajatipok (Rama VII) studied and, after his abdication, returned to live with his old headmaster.  After an extensive guided tour of the College and its impressive chapel, including an inspection of the King's new portrait recently donated by the Thai Ambassador, the group ended its tour at the King of Siam's garden.  The garden is situated just in front of the college playing fields and is very well cultivated and full of flowering plants and shrubs. It is a fitting memorial to a notable monarch who epitomised the close bonds of friendship which link our two nations (and inspire this Society).  A very satisfying and inexpensive outing. MDMS