Today two countries, that more often have inspired each other – both artistically and politically – than not, celebrate two rather different political systems. For Italy it’s ‘La Festa della Republica’ commemorating the day in 1946 when, as a result of a referendum (which included women for the first time in that country’s history), Italy abolished the monarchy and declared itself a republic ‘based on work’.

For the United Kingdom it’s instead the start of four days celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee: her seventy years’ reign.

Some people may choose not to celebrate either being a citizen in a republic or in a monarchy. The fact, however, is that the two seemingly utterly different political ideologies have enabled both Italy and the UK to survive in a reasonably peaceful and stable state since the last war. For this we should be ever grateful…

So let’s enjoy this season of festivities and be happy that at least we can go on peaceful country walks picking cherries and admiring views in golden summer sunshine free from the horrors which our European neighbours further east so tragically are having to suffer at the present time.

(Several photos courtesy of Sandra).