The Queen and Leon Krier looking at a photography exhibition of Poundbury with
Andrew Hamilton
Below : Photos of the special visit
Today is a very special occasion for everybody who has been associated with Poundbury
Andrew Hamilton Poundbury Development Director
“ At a time when there is a nationwide clamour for new housing , I believe that Poundbury stands as a beacon to the way forward .” During his speech The Prince said : “ For me one of the most essential features of Poundbury has been its mixed use , mixed income composition - a dangerously revolutionary move 25 years ago .” The Prince spoke of the 25 different architectural practices used in Poundbury and paid tribute to the work of architects Quinlan and Francis Terry and Ben Pentreath . He personally thanked the dedication and loyalty of builders CG Fry and Son , Morrish Builders , Woodpecker Properties and added : “ I ’ m deeply grateful to their teams of talented craftsmen who many of them are Dorset men through and through . “ It is with immense pride and in loving memory of my darling grandmother that I ask your majesty to unveil this statue of the Queen Mother and thus declare her square open .”
The speech culminated in the historic unveiling of The Queen Mother Statue to the sound of the national anthem played by the St Dennis Band from Cornwall . Member of the band Emma Arnold said it was a very proud , special moment for them all : “ The band members were privileged and indeed honoured to be in attendance . It was certainly something that will be a treasured memory for all of the players . Having spoken to all of them , I know that playing the national anthem with The Queen in attendance was a real career highlight for them .” Hundreds of spectators aged from newborn babies to pensioners flocked to the square to catch a glimpse of The Queen and wave their Union Jacks . Pauline Chesil , aged 87 , made the journey from Battersea to see the special day in Poundbury .
She said : “ We adore the royal family and try to make the special visits when we can . Today was just magnificent as was The Queen , so graceful as always .”
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