Jacaranda Queens 60 years apart have much in common

TWO Jacaranda Queens, 60 years apart in crowning, have a lot more in common than the casual observer might think.

TWO Jacaranda Queens, 60 years apart in crowning, have a lot more in common than the casual observer might think.

The 1955 Jacaranda Queen, Stella Wilson, nee Cooper and 2015 Queen Charlotte White revealed many common linkages when they attended the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea yesterday at the Grafton Racecourse.

Stella, who is this year's Jacaranda Festival Guest of Honour, remembers the experience 60 years ago as "quite overwhelming".

"I'd been at school two years before and had been at Teachers College," she said.

"Then I was thrust into the community and under the spotlight."

Her modern-day counterpart is in love with everything to do with the 1950s and 60s.

"One of my fundraising events was Retro Fest where I had girls dress up in fashions from that era," she said.

"We had cars and motorbikes from the period and a band playing 50's music."

While Stella remembers fondly her time as Jacaranda royalty, she is glad the festival has moved with the times.

"It has to change as the times change," she said.

"It has to remain relevant."

Charlotte agreed, but pointed out tradition and history remained important to the ceremony.

"It we don't have the traditions to carry on, the whole thing loses its meaning," she said.

Filling the guest of honour role has been a huge thrill for Stella.

"Being up on the stage on crowning night and being so close to the proceedings brought back the thrill I had when I was crowned," she said.

"I never thought I would experience that again after 1955.

Originally published as Jacaranda Queens 60 years apart have much in common