Townswomen's Guilds in Oxford celebrated the start of the Queen’s reign with an evening of entertainment at Oxford Town Hall.

Each group was invited to perform something of their choice on the theme of the two Elizabeths.

Sybil Belcher, chairman of the Cowley branch, appeared as Queen Elizabeth I, and still has vivid memories of the occasion in 1952 or 1953.

She recalls: “I was reading a book which included a speech that Queen Elizabeth I gave to students at Christ Church. I mentioned it to our members and they agreed it should be part of our presentation.”

Mrs Belcher was chosen to read it as she had a clear voice and she practised for weeks at home until she had learned the passage by heart.

Then, at the Town Hall, surrounded by her members, also in period costume, and before a packed audience, she completed the four-minute speech without a wrong word. There was warm applause for her at the end.

Mrs Belcher, who is 98 and lives in The Avenue, Kennington, tells me: “I can still remember the speech now.

“Lots of different groups took part and it was very entertaining.”

Her husband, Ronald, listened to his wife from the balcony and despite the poor acoustics of the Town Hall, heard every word.

He recalls: “Whenever I came home, I heard Sybil talking and thought she had another man in the house – she was rehearsing the speech!”