A Royal Visitor
A Great Day for Tewkesbury...
 A great day for Tewkesbury was Borough Mayor, Coun. Barbara Cromwell's description of the day His Royal Highness Prince Philip visited the town. He was in town as Col in Chief of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, who were being granted the freedom of the borough.
Over 300 children from Tewkesbury Cof E School in Chance Street were given time off from school to witness the event. Pupil Ashleigh Hill said: ‘’It was quite good - he looked like a prince, but I really liked the soldiers.’’ Equipped with home made union flags, they joined hundreds of other people in the Spring Gardens Car Park to see the regiment, headed by a red coated band march in to place, before the Duke himself arrived.
After hearing Coun Mrs. Cromwell grant the regiment the freedom to march through the streets of the borough with bayonets fixed, flags flying, drums beating and bands playing, he joined her inspecting the troops. The regiment then exercised its new freedom by marching through the town, where people lined the streets to cheer them on.
Old soldiers raised their glasses in salute as they passed the British Legion Club, and the children from Abbey school were out in force to cheer them on. They were followed in the parade by members of the Glosters Association and the Tewkesbury company of the army cadets.
The youngsters had been given special permission to stay off school for the event, and had spent hours preparing for the big day. Their sergeant, Liz Bassett said; ‘’We had an inspection last week, and they had to be spot on.’’
Prince Philip and the Mayor took the salute as the parade passed the Abbey Car park in Church St. The vicar, Cannon Michael Tavinor said: ‘’I am delighted that part of the occasion took place close to the Abbey.’’ After the salute the Prince’s party drove up to the council offices for a civic reception. The troops were treated to a pig roast in a marquee in the grounds.
Ross Goulding of Tewkesbury was thrilled to see her grandson James Lane amongst the troops in the parade. ‘’I have come specially to see him, but I do like parades anyway,’’ she said.
Town Mayor Coun Peter Aldridge summed up the opinion of the whole town. ‘’Superb, a fine day for Tewkesbury,’’ he said.
News story date:February 16, 2000
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