British expats eager to celebrate Platinum Jubilee

For Denise Brass, celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee is about marking history.

The British expat moved to Canada in 1981 from Yorkshire and has a fond affinity for the Royal Family.

So, when she noticed a lack of celebration in Kelowna for the occasion, she knew she had to step up, especially as she and her husband own an aptly named winery, Camelot Vineyards.

The venue is decked out in Union Jacks and British music, food, and snacks – many of which are imported from across the pond – will be on offer. Local brews will be flowing courtesy of Welton Arms Brewery.

“This is the first monarch in British history to reach this Platinum Jubilee. There will be no other monarchy that will ever get to this point because there’s no other royalty that will be taking over at age 25 like she did,” she told Kelowna10. “This is history in the making for sure.”

Growing up in the U.K., Brass was part of the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme and was supposed to meet Prince Phillip. However, she left England before it could be arranged.

And while she’s never formally met the Queen, she’s did catch a glimpse when she was a child.

“We stood on the street many times when she visited our city,” Brass said. “We were standing with flags shoulder to shoulder with thousands of children waving Union Jacks, just to see a glimpse of her in the back of a Rolls-Royce and that was good enough for us.”

Brass said she is slowly discovering a growing number of Brits in the Okanagan.

“I just started to find out about this group on Facebook. I’m interested in keeping in touch and doing more of these events,” she said. “This one sold out so quickly and I’m still having people calling saying they really want to come. So, it shows there’s a big demand for British people to get together and talk about the past.”

The Royals continue to hold a special place in Brass’s life, she said, describing their lives as a soap opera of sorts for the British public.

“We see the Queen give her speech every Christmas, and we all sit around for that,” she said. “In my heart, she’s a hard working, respected, and classy old lady, and we’ll miss her when her time comes.”

Brits from around the area will enjoy a taste of home this weekend no matter what.

“I don’t care if it rains. It looks beautiful and looks like it’s going to be perfect weather,” she said. “And if it does rain, the Brits won’t turn a blind eye. It will be just like their normal summer weather.”