The flag that flew for the king in south Durham in 1939

It was February 23, 1939, and you can read all about that day 83 years ago HERE. The royal train arrived at Durham in the morning. King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, motored to Tow Law and then to Hamsterley and Toronto before finishing at Bishop Auckland – it was the last time a reigning monarch visited Bishop.

The king and queen prepare to leave Bishop Auckland

Marjorie’s parents, Nance and Charles Hewitson, had drapery and hardware shops in Witton Park.

Marjorie Lambard with a flag that flew when the King visited Witton Park in 1939 Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

“They had purchased a new Union flag, complete with staff, and it was projected from their bedroom window over the pavement of the family home, which was near the bottom of Low Queen Street,” says Marjorie.

“I was in my father's arms on the pavement outside the house and there were crowds of people lining the street and outside the station and opposite the Queen's Head Hotel.

The royal motorcade drives through Hamsterley that day

“It was obvious from the noise that the cavalcade was approaching down Main Street and my mam glanced up and saw the flag had wrapped itself around the staff.

“She dashed upstairs to unfurl it.

“I saw a big black car appear around the corner but I have no memory of it passing or of its occupants, but mam was still on her way downstairs and she missed it all.

“The event has gone down in the annals of family folklore as "Nance missed it".”

The flag went back in its box and was kept in Marjorie’s parents’ bedroom until it could be unfurled for the victory celebrations of 1945. It has taken part in all royal occasions since, and, although a little tattered, it is ready for this year’s Platinum Jubilee.