So proud to greet the Queen (From Evesham Journal)

So proud to greet the Queen

8:00am Friday 20th July 2012 in News

PATRIOTIC Vale people were among the crowds in Worcester last week eager to catch sight of the Queen as she visited the city.

And three lucky Evesham residents got closer than most when they were presented to Her Majesty.

Two of the group, John Lomas, of Evesham Rowing Club and Evesham town and Wychavon district councillor Frances Smith got the chance during her visit to the city’s Guildhall.

Coun Mrs Smith said the Queen was interested to know what role she played at Evesham Hospital and was pleased to hear the hospital remained a vibrant part of the healthcare of the town.

Coun Smith’s husband and fellow councillor John Smith was present at the opening of the Hive – Worcestershire’s new library and history centre – and later met her at the cathedral service.

Carol Goodchild, of Harvington, was also at the Cathedral service as one of the 300 unsung heroes nominated in the Journal and our sister paper the Worcester News.

She said: “It was lovely. As the Queen came in she looked up and gave everybody a beaming smile.”

A number of Vale youth groups, including Cubs and two Beavers from the Bengeworth Scout Group and Evesham cadets, were invited to line the route.

Tony Coletta, Cub Scout leader, said: “It was an honour to be asked to attend.

The Cubs and Beavers will no doubt take away great memories of the day.”

Meanwhile, Willersey residents were “thrilled” after receiving a letter from the Queen. The village enjoyed four days of celebrations over the Jubilee weekend and organisers sent a programme of events to Buckingham Palace to show Her Majesty how the village celebrated her milestone.

Canon Peter Burch, Jubilee committee member, said: “I did not expect anything. It’s very gracious of the Queen to acknowledge it in this way.”