Newbury Weekly News - May 11th 2017

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Newbury Weekly News

Queen and Prince Philip join Pangbourne College centenary College receives newmilitarycolours aspartofcelebrations

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Hill, was opened in 1917 as a training base for officers in the Merchant Navy. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh last visited in June 2007 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict. The chairman of West Berkshire Council Quentin Webb, who was a guest at the ceremony, said that Prince Philip took a great interest in his chairman’s medallion, lift- ing it up to take a closer look. He said: “I would say there were no jokes, but it was noted that he was interested as he picked it up and looked at it. One didn’t know whether he knew everything and it was just a test. “He was very sprightly and on the money when it came to every- thing that was required as far as the college was concerned. “At his age that he has contin- ued to be the Queen’s escort is remarkable to be doing that for that length of time. “It was an honour and a plea- sure to be at the centenary of Pangbourne College and to see all the cadets in full uniform and the presentation of the new colours.” n To see our full gallery of photographs visit newburyto- day.co.uk

THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were the guests of honour at Pangbourne College to help celebrate its centenary this week. The royal couple met staff, students and parents during the visit on Tuesday and attended a special service in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, which was opened by the Queen in 2000. Among the guests was the oldest surviving Pangbournian, Keith Evans. The 97-year-old served with the Duke of Edinburgh during the Second World War, when the pair were both lieutenants at a shore station, HMS Royal Arthur , in Warwick. “I like him,” said Mr Evans, who now lives in Hazelmere with his wife Heather. “He was 18 months my junior. He was the Lieutenant Mountbat- ten because they’d got rid of all that Greek nonsense. “He was a bit randy. Obviously the history of the man is extraor- dinary.” The veteran had the chance to reminisce with the Duke and showed him letters sent between the two men after Prince Philip’s engagement. Following the thanksgiving service, which was conducted by

The Right Reverend Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester, the royal party spent time chatting to staff, parents and pupils, who were all dressed in their Number Ones cadet uniform. The Duke of Edinburgh, who was appearing in public for the first time since announcing his retirement from royal duties later this year, stopped and spoke to Harry Edwards, one of the young pupils lining the path. “He asked me what the coloured badges meant,” Harry said. “I told him they were to show our houses, I’m in Starboard.” After lunch the Queen signed a guest book, before joining the large crowds for a college parade. She then presented HM The Queen’s Gold Medal to the college’s head boy, Frederick Taucher, and head girl, Ellen White, and new military colours to the college. Pangbourne College headmas- ter Thomas Garnier said: “Philip was on quite good form. He was interested in the pupils. “The college has no formal link with the armed forces, but there’s a ceremonial link and I think he felt in tune with that.” The school, in Pangbourne Report by SARAH BOSLEY email sarah.bosley@newbur ynews.co.uk

TheQueen presents TheQueen’sGoldMedal tothe college’sheadboy, Frederick Taucher, andheadgirl,Ellen White

Prince Philip reminisces withKeith Evans,whoserved with theDukeonHMSRoyalArthur

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TheQueen presented thecollege withnewmilitar

Prince Philip andWestBerkshire Council chairman QuentinWebb

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