SOME MPs have called for the creation of an annual public holiday to commemorate the life of the Queen Mother.

Helen Platt asks if it is a suitable tribute to a much-loved Royal.

QUEEN Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was greeted by 3,500 children at Haslam Park when she first visited Bolton in May 1938 as Queen.

Thousands lined the streets to catch a glimpse of her as she accompanied George VI on his Royal visit to Lancashire.

In the last few days, hundreds of people have signed a book of condolence for the Queen Mother at the town hall. The number of people turning out may not be the same as in 1938, but the sentiments of these private messages show an emotional connection just as strong as 64 years ago.

This connection has been reflected throughout the country and some MPs have called for the creation of a new annual holiday in honour of a life they say was a symbol of national unity and individual strength. But in Bolton there was a mixed response to the suggestion of an honorary day.

David Crausby, Labour MP for Bolton North-east, says he is always in favour of extra holidays for working people and he does not mind if the day off is for the Queen Mother.

"Such a day would be a celebration of 101 years of life which would be an appropriate reason for a public holiday.

"I don't think it would need to be on the anniversary of her death, but on a day that could be arranged when it best suited trade unions and industry."

But Brian Iddon, Labour MP for Bolton South, does not think there should be a new annual holiday and supports the decision not to stop all business on the day of the funeral.

He says: "It sets a precedent. Why not Diana? Why not George VI? It is up to the individual whose death they mark and there are far too many Royal deaths both past and present to mark every one.

"I do think that we need more public holidays, as in our European partner countries, but for different reasons, such as St George's Day in England.

"I'm sure many service men and women would welcome the chance to mark Remembrance Day on the actual day rather than the following Sunday."

Eric Hudson, the Bolton regional director of the Chamber of Commerce, says that another public holiday would be a financial burden on small businesses and the Chamber will discuss the matter this week. He adds: "Businesses revere the memory but would be concerned about additional costs. We need to find more practical ways to honour people who have made a significant contribution."

But Theresa Stott, chairperson of the women's section of Kearsley's Royal British Legion, says that a national holiday is an ideal way to make people stop and realise just what the Queen Mother did for the country.

She says: "My daughter-in-law told me that just by watching the news over the past few days she has really appreciated what the Royal Family has done over the years. It would be great if there was a day to reflect each year, but even a two minute silence would make a difference.

"The Queen Mother was our patron and when the women's section celebrated its 80th birthday she invited us all down to Clarence House.

"I was the standard bearer and carried the flag when we marched in the gardens. It was very important to us all and I think her work in the war should not be forgotten."

It was as the face of wartime courage that many will remember the Queen Mother, but to the younger generation she has only been a Royal grandma.

They do not know that when World War I was declared on August 4, 1914, the young Elizabeth was celebrating her 14th birthday. The family home at Glamis Castle, Scotland, was turned into a convalescent hospital and Elizabeth helped to care for the wounded soldiers.

IIn World War II, as Queen, the Queen Mother famously said: "I'm glad we've been bombed. I feel I can look the East End in the face."

Charlotte Fielding, from Bromley Cross, believes that this history must not be lost. She says we must find a way to honour the Queen Mother, not only to respect her as an individual but as a symbol of our heritage.

"The way I've been brought up has made me a Royalist. The Queen Mother and the Royal family are part of our history that no other country has. There is no better place on earth than this country. I think that an annual day for the Queen Mother might be going a bit too far, but we need to find our own ways to honour her."

Mrs Fielding will pay her tribute during the Queen Mother's funeral, by flying a Union Jack at half mast from the flag pole in her garden.

Others will watch the funeral on television or maybe sign a book of condolence, but most people will find themselves sparing at least a minute to reflect. How the Queen Mother will be remembered in the future remains to be seen.