Queen greeted by sunshine in Gloucester
Scores of onlookers flocked to Llanthony Secunda Priory hoping to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty the Queen.
Among the congregation was nine-year-old Bethany Kelly from Tredworth, who arrived early with her mum and her aunt so she could get to the front.
Bethany was going to present The Queen with flowers and said: “I’m very excited.”
Bethany’s mum Sheena Keable said: “We just got here early really. We also came because her auntie’s daughter was involved.”
Wendy and Geoff Day from Hucclecote brought their seven year old granddaughter Eve along more than 20 years after they did the same with their own children.
Wendy said: “My children were about the same age when I brought them to see her in the 1980s.
“That was the time that she came up Eastgate Street."
Brownies, cadets, police officers and others lined the Queen’s path from The Docks to Llanthony Secunda Priory where she walked around before going to lunch at Gloucestershire College.
Final preparations for the Queen's visit to Gloucester Docks got underway last night.
Grass was cut, cutlery polished, bunting hoisted, and stewards trained, ready for Her Majesty's first visit to the city since 2003.
Staff and students at the college have spent the last few days preparing for the big day.
Julian Baxter, director of estates for the college, said: "We have involved as many students as we can in the preparations for the visit.
"We have had 60 catering and hospitality students getting the dining facilities ready and prepared.
"Another 55 of our sports and public service students will be acting as stewards on the day, while another 30 student ambassadors have been in for a briefing.
"Two of the ambassadors will be presenting the visitors' book to the royal party, so we have been running through that as well.
"One of the main things we have been doing is to try to make sure the students are put at their ease for the visit.
"We have been letting them know that it is a great day, not for putting on airs and graces, but for being yourself and showing just what Gloucester and the college is all about.
"We are really looking forward to it now."
Gloucester City Council will be handing out free Union Jack flags for the public to wave at the event.
They will be available in the morning from Albion Cottages in Gloucester Docks and Llanthony Priory.
Alternatively, flags can be bought for 75p from the Tourist Information Centre in Southgate Street.
It looks as if the sun is set to shine on the royal visit, with sunny spells forecast throughout the day.
A gentle southerly breeze should leave it feeling mild for late October, with highs of around 16C (61F).
The Queen's timetable:
11.30am: Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will arrive at Roman Quay.
11.35am: Lt James Reynolds will invite Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to board the patrol boat for journey to Docks. The ship will proceed through High Orchard opening bridge to the Dock basin.
11.50am: Arrive in main Dock basin for a slow turn around to view principal Dockside developments. The party will pass through the ruins of the Llanthony Tithe Barn and up the steps to the college.
Noon: Opportunity to retire.
12.15pm: Leave retiring room when HM Lord-Lieutenant will present to Her Majesty Mr Mohamed Patel – chairman of Barton and Tredworth Trust Volunteers who will explain the work of the trust.
12.35pm: The royal party will move to the pre-lunch reception area where the Lord Lieutenant and Lady Elwes will present three groups: GHURC directors, developers and business partners and the Rt Rev Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester.
12.45pm: Move to dining room.
2pm: The loyal toast.
2.10pm: Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will proceed to the exit where the principal will invite them to sign the visitors’ book.
Afternoon: Arrive at GCHQ.
The parties will join up in the museum area and proceed to the main entrance.
HM Lord-Lieutenant and Lady Elwes will escort Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to waiting helicopter and take leave.
Click here to email your pictures of the Queen or visit My Glos to upload your own pictures
66 Comments
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by elizabeth a lovic, Monroeville, USA
Thursday, October 29 2009, 3:27PM
“The last time I saw the Queen was when I was in school at St. Peter's. What a day! She looked beautiful and so petite. She took a ride around Gloucester Park - is it still there? I love Glos. and it's people, never fail to visit on a trip home. May the Queen visit again soon!
Elizabeth (Christie) Lovic”
by Leanne, Gloucester
Sunday, October 25 2009, 5:23PM
“Regardless of whether we should have a monarchy etc etc, it was a really nice atmosphere for local people down at the docks.
I think that any publicity and revenue that Gloucester can get is beneficial.”
by anon, gloucester
Sunday, October 25 2009, 4:30PM
“My 2 daughters were asked to meet the Queen with their Brownie brigade.After much ironing of uniforms,polishing of shoes, nerves and lots of waiting around in line,Her Majesty did not even spare them aglance or smile as she wakled past them.Very disappointing after all the build up.”
by Ian, Tuffley
Sunday, October 25 2009, 10:34AM
“At least the students who had the day off from College were able to see the queen if they wanted to,unlike the staff eh Pete,”
by Gloscol Staff, Gloucester
Saturday, October 24 2009, 7:45PM
“Pete of Gloucester, it wasn't just students asked not to come in - it was staff as well. The staff development day, which has compulsory attendance, was at the campus in Cheltenham so we weren't allowed to see the Queen either. Three times a year, the students are asked not to come in. Was it just a coincidence that it was the same day as the Queen's visit - decide for yourself ! I know what I think!”
by Pete, Gloucester
Saturday, October 24 2009, 2:44PM
“MPS, Cheltenham - Great comment! Shame a lot of students were told not to come in on that day!”
by MPS, Cheltenham
Saturday, October 24 2009, 6:25AM
“In six years of working for the college the Queen has visited Gloscol twice, as a member of staff i would like to thank well over 1000 students for the time and effort they put in.I can honestly say that part of my tax's were worth it. We as staff INVOLVED get to see how much it means to the many students involved.”
by The Fool, On The Hill
Saturday, October 24 2009, 1:57AM
“It makes a change for the Queen for once to be the one in the dock!”
by Ed, Gloucester
Saturday, October 24 2009, 1:11AM
“''The Queen did not "Visit" Gloucestert. She had a ride on a small boat to the docks, had lunch and then flew away to GCHQ. Alien Life UK, Here, I think''
Possibly the most idiotic comment on TIG ever.
How did she not visit Gloucester?! She travelled up the canal, had a look round the docks, was driven from the docks to GCHQ, then from the airport she flew back to London.
Where else do you propose that she visited? Have a think about it.”
by Claire, Barnwood, glos
Friday, October 23 2009, 10:01PM
“I'm amazed the docks wasn't packed, but am so proud of my air cadets and staff who covered many different roles on the day. I'm pleased lots of teenagers and children attended in their youth groups and it showed the queen the variety of groups you can attend in gloucester.”