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

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

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

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 ?

Crowd applauding - am glad.

So what's the difference between a state funeral and this?

Ooh, doesn't London look beautiful outside that lovely chapel (is it by Wren ?) and with those beautiful London plane trees ? Flowers on coffin also rather lovely, gun carriage looking rather elegant too, even if not my style really

What's the sand in aid of?

TheReal
Really? You find it ironic? You honestly have no comprehension of how people feel?

I'm watching. I remember when she was elected.
The country was in an utter mess. Thanks to Labour government.
Plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose...

Feeling slightly apprehensive. Hope this is peaceful. Does anyone know why BIg Ben's been silenced? Is it out of respect, or just too noisy?

I like Sam Cam outfit...

I haven't seen any sand but if its on the road don't they put it to stop the horses slipping?

Sand = stop horses & carriage slipping.

I cannot see that MT would have wanted all this at all.

Big Ben will not chime - lest she rise again

Mark Thatchers wife looking a bit Stepford wifey....

I won't be missing Homes Under the Hammer for it.

Ohh makes sense, thanks!

The awkward moment the horses shit in front of the coffin.

State funeral has all heads of state invited I think Viva.

Big ben - respect. Sand - for horses and carriage wheels to grip. I remember mess of pre thatcher years as well. She was tough enough to do an unpopular job.

Mamf74 - to be fair, she did marry a millionaire just as she was a parlimentary candidate (before making MP) and used his contacts to make herself known - she hardly dragged herself up completely on her own ability and record. However yes, on both sides, you do'nt get the old style politicians anymore.

anyone else hearing the booing they are trying to drown out?

Carol Thatcher channeling hedge dragged and backwards look....

Is there some booing going on?

I think it's sad that people have gone to boo. Disagree with her if you want but why do that?

State funeral also has a 'lying in state' bit and has to be approved by parliament if it's not a head of state (ie. queen) - churchill got one, diana didn't.

Are there man crowds, like at the Royal Wedding?

I remember doing my homework by candle light because of power cuts. Labour government...

not watching and just turned the radio off as I can't bear listening any longer. I don't think it's disrespectful to say that she absolutely does not deserve this level of pomp and ceremony at her funeral, and in fact I think in current times it's pretty damned disrespectful to those who are struggling to see this amount of public money being spent on this woman.