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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To spend my morning watching the funeral of Maggie Thatcher (on BBC) ?

893 replies

JugglingFromHereToThere · 17/04/2013 09:34

She was our first woman prime-minister - a significant personal achievement, especially for the daughter of a grocer from Grantham, born in 1925 Shock

Also I agree with those that say these ceremonial occasions are something we do really well in Britain.

So AIBU to be watching this morning - in spite of disagreeing with many of her policies ? Will you be watching ?
And what do you make of both her personal achievement and her legacy ?

OP posts:
pumpkinsweetie · 17/04/2013 11:01

Well i am, but not on bbc, just watching the coverage on This Morning. I didn't particularly like or despise Maggie Thatcher, and i do think its a way too much money to be spent, but its something i think should be watched as part of our history.
These people there wishing to cause trouble, are sad Imo as the lady is dead so why the hatred? She is no longer alive and i think people should respect the dead, she was no murderer after all.
People throwing poo at horses want to be ashamed, they are beautiful animals what a nasty disgusting thing to do!!!

JakeBullet · 17/04/2013 11:01

Bet that young Navy lad's Mum is so proud of him today.

Fluttershy · 17/04/2013 11:02

So, what, you can't have an opinion if you weren't born then? How are people supposed to learn from history then? Sure there will be some opportunists, but why can't people make their feelings known if they oppose the £ spent on this?

DontmindifIdo · 17/04/2013 11:02

Landofsoap - no, if the family wanted a private funeral of an 87 year old woman, then they should have had one. rightly or wrongly, by making this a political state event, it makes it a protest rallying point. I hope there won't be trouble, but not all PM's have had a state/ceremonial funeral - a choice was taken to do this, a choice knowing she was a massively hated figure for large parts of the country.

I think there's a hope that the amount of stuff going on last weekend will have taken the heat out of those who want to protest. It looks like it's gone off as well as possible so far. Now just if they can get rid of the crowds without too much trouble...

culturemulcher · 17/04/2013 11:02

All I could hear was the clapping.

kilmuir · 17/04/2013 11:02

Gosh , we do a good send off!

ApocalypseCheeseToastie · 17/04/2013 11:02

That blonde guy is really sweating, think he's struggling with the weight somewhat !

TheOneWithTheHair · 17/04/2013 11:02

I'm watching and I agree St Paul's is stunning.

Chockyeggpants · 17/04/2013 11:02

Beautiful music. Worth watching the funeral for architecture and music alone. Plus it's our history.

Jenny70 · 17/04/2013 11:02

Looks like there was a representative from each Faulklands regiment to act as pallbearers:

Corporal Spence is one of eight pallbearers drawn from ships, squadrons and regiments which served in the Falklands conflict. They will carry the coffin up the west steps of St Paul?s Cathedral, which will be lined by 14 pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea and 18 service personnel.

The officer in command of the bearer party is Major Nicholas Mott of the Welsh Guards, who will walk behind the coffin with his brother Garrison Sergeant Major Bill Mott OBE. Both men served in the Falklands conflict.

Bluebellina · 17/04/2013 11:03

jake hes loverly isnt he?

Mrsrobertduvall · 17/04/2013 11:03

Carol Thatcher's partner is a bit like Lee Mead.

KansasCityOctopus · 17/04/2013 11:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Chockyeggpants · 17/04/2013 11:04

This Morning is covering the funeral??
How dumbed down has this country become?
Huzzah for the Dimbles!

culturemulcher · 17/04/2013 11:04

what don'tmind said.

skippedtheripeoldmango · 17/04/2013 11:05

Pumpkin - so some were throwing things other than flowers at the horses? I didn't see...I just saw the horses start to get antsy and heard mention of something being thrown.

I feel for the bearers - must be so nerve wracking.

A coffin was dropped at one of my family's funerals once....

landofsoapandglory · 17/04/2013 11:05

We live in a democracy, yet my opinion is not valid! Oh the bloody irony! Anyhow I am not getting into an argument on a thread about a funeral!

JakeBullet · 17/04/2013 11:05

From my time as a nurse I can remember how even relatively low weight people seem to weigh more in death.

Bluebellina · 17/04/2013 11:05

Oh bless,did ye see the sweat dripping off the poor guy on right of coffin 3rd down,blond.(not obsessed with pallbearers here ,no,no)

JakeBullet · 17/04/2013 11:05

From my time as a nurse I can remember how even relatively low weight people seem to weigh more in death.

Horsemad · 17/04/2013 11:05

I have no problem with people having a negative opinion of her, but to threaten to disrupt a funeral? Disgusting.

whiteandyellowiris · 17/04/2013 11:05

the young navy guy, look like a little boy whos been in the dressing up box, and decided to dress as a sailor

hes doing well though

Jenny70 · 17/04/2013 11:05

Anyone remember the Yes Minister Episode where all international deals were done at funerals, as there was no agenda and advisors leading discussions and no expectation to announce outcomes etc?

Snazzynewyear · 17/04/2013 11:06

Chockyeggpants I'm watching because I like ceremonial stuff, yes. Not a fan of Thatcher's politics. But that has never yet stopped me watching a live news event like this. I am one of those people who stays up all night on election night.

NotTreadingGrapes · 17/04/2013 11:06

Is it Mark T who looks like Paul Daniels?

I am red till I'm dead but by gum I love a bit of British pomp.

I don't like the floor in St Paul's though. Looks like an old fashioned lavvy.