Princess Alexandra has visited Telford, Shropshire, to present certificates to businesses, groups, and individuals as part of the Telford Community Pride Awards yesterday.
The ceremony, part of Telford’s 50th anniversary celebration, recognised and honoured those actively working to make the community a special place. Held at the Maws Craft Centre, Her Royal Highness was met by Anna Turner JP, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Nicola Kershaw, deputy lieutenant of Shropshire, and Mayor Stephen Reynolds.
princess alexandra visited telford (royal family)
Princess Alexandra, cousin to The Queen, appeared delighted whilst chatting to award winners and listening to their stories. Jessica Terry, 15, won the Outstanding Volunteer Under 18 prize, in addition to saving the lives of both her mother and her sister.
Speaking to the press, Miss Terry said, “The Princess said congratulations and thinks what I did was amazing. She wanted to meet my mum.”
princess alexandra meets locals in telford (royal family)
13 groups and individuals received certificates in a variety of categories, including Sporting Achievement, Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle, Environmental Work, and Social Responsibility.
Cllr Rae Evans, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Partnerships, Culture and Leisure said, “Princess Alexandra’s visit to Telford really highlights the very strong community we have here, with so many wonderful people who come together and get involved to make our borough such a great place to live in.”
Telford was founded in the late 1960s and merged together four smaller villages. Today the town boasts a population of around 155,000 and is the largest in Shropshire.
After the awards ceremony, Princess Alexandra, 82, travelled to Ironbridge Gorge and Coalbrookedale, a village within the Gorge and a UNESCO World Heritage site. She toured the restored Museum of Iron and Enginuity, known for its famous “Old Furnace” which helped ignite the Industrial Revolution.
The iron bridge across the river Severn is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the Industrial Revolution and what was possible with the help of machinery and innovative engineers.
Ironbridge near Telford in Shropshire, is an iconic symbol of the Industrial Revolution. Paul Ashton/Flickr – creative commons
Perhaps the best part of today’s schedule was the official opening of The Furnace Kitchen restaurant. Princess Alexandra unveiled a plaque marking the occasion and then enjoyed a celebratory cuppa and viewed a variety of pastries and sandwiches. The restaurant represents years of work and is run by executive and celebrity chef, Marcus Bean.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Director of Commercial Rory Hunter said, “It’s an honour to welcome Princess Alexandra at the official opening of our new destination restaurant. We are very excited to be able to offer visitors to our Museums, and all of the local community a new and relaxing dining experience.”
What a way to officially launch the new restaurant at Coalbrookdale. We had the most wonderful time with HRH Princess Alexandra yesterday and thank everyone who came and made the day extra special. @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/1lMuzgTCOD
— The Furnace Kitchen (@FurnaceKitchen) July 20, 2019
Her Royal Highness appeared in fine form and seemed to enjoy her away day.
