Royal Visit – HRH The Duke of Gloucester – Thursday 10th May
10/05/2018
By 2018 Nathaniel Hone
The County was honoured by the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester. The visit started at Lucton School, Leominster. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant presented a number of dignitaries to HRH before HRH laid a wreath at the school’s war memorial. HRH then took the salute and inspected the School Cadets before awarding a number of prizes to particularly distinguished Cadets. HRH then toured a number of demonstration stands relating to cadet activities.
After lunch, HRH visited Leominster Priory. After a number of presentations of representatives of Leominster Town Council, the Priory, the organisers of the forthcoming choral recital and the Leominster Medieval Pageant, we heard a beautiful recital by a combined local school and community choir.
HRH was escorted past the Verdun Oak to Grange Court, where a number of people involved with the Grange were presented to HRH before being a tour. Refreshments were served by representatives of MiEnterprise. HRH viewed a display by Leominster in Stitches.
The Lord Lieutenant presented Mr Mike Thornhill MBE and said a few words before Mr. Thornhill was presented with his MBE by HRH.
HRH was escorted to Corn Square where he was announced by the Town Crier. A number of presentations were made and HRH was given a tour of the exhibition area in the Tourist Information Centre. The Mayor then escorted HRH through the market stalls set up by “Community Expo” covering a number of community groups and support organisations.
HRH visited Brightwells, the auctioneers. Various presentations were made and HRH visited the Fine Arts Section, the Vehicle Auction room and the Classic Car showroom. The High Sheriff particularly enjoyed these last two but left empty handed.
After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the visit, the Royal party left the County.
