Thousands celebrate Queen visit

By Rob George 12/07 Updated: 12/07 12:35

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THE MAYOR of Pershore was among thousands of people who welcomed HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh to the county on Wednesday (July 11).

Well-wishers gathered firstly at The Hive as Her Majesty, dressed in a stunning pale pink coat and matching hat, officially opened the city's new £60million public library and history centre.

Worcester was then brought to a standstill as the Royal couple made their way to the Guildhall for a special lunch before the tour ended with a service at Worcester Cathedral.

The visit was part of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Tour and marked her first visit to Worcester since 2001.

She unveiled a plaque at the Hive and spoke to local artists, Worcestershire's young Poet Laureate Rowan Standish-Hayes and was accompanied on her tour by University of Worcester Vice-Chancellor David Green and Worcestershire County Council leader Adrian Hardman.

The Duke of Edinburgh was treated to a tour of the third floor of the building and viewed some its 250,000 books.

As the Royal party left The Hive, the Queen was presented with a small bouquet of flowers by 106-year-old Alice Potter from Fernhill Heath who realised her lifetime dream of meeting Her Majesty.

The Royal couple were then driven through a sea of patriotic, flag-waving well-wishers to the Guildhall where they enjoyed a two-course lunch with civic dignitaries and invited guests. The menu included fresh asparagus and free-range chicken breast.

Those who had waited patiently in the rain for a glimpse of the couple were finally rewarded as they re-emerged from the Guildhall after lunch in warm July sunshine to greet the crowds packing the High Street.

A number of children presented the Queen with flowers while the Duke met and joked with members of the crowd.

Pershore Mayor, Coun Charles Tucker, said: "I met the Queen as part of a reception in the Guildhall and she seemed very interested to meet and talk to us.

"I was able to tell her about the famous Pershore Plum Festival coming up and about my work with the National Flood Forum."

William Dewar was among those who spoke to the Duke and said: "He had a nice sense of humour and when I told him I had just graduated from university he joked I was going back to live with my parents!"

"It's been a very special day and something I will remember for a long time."

The visit drew to a close with a special service at Worcester Cathedral which included a rousing burst of Land of Hope and Glory, composed by Sir Edward Elgar.

The service concluded with the national anthem before the Queen unveiled a plaque to honour those who have contributed to the restoration of Cathedral over the past quarter of a century.