TODAY we can bring you more memories of a special royal visit to Colchester.
April 11, 1986 marked 35 years since Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visited Colchester to open the inpatient unit at St Helena Hospice.
She gave a short speech to the gathered crowd, made up of volunteers, staff and invited guests, before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the day.
The royal visitor toured the inpatient unit to look at the facilities and spoke with patients, staff and volunteers.
* Stories of people involved with St Helena Hospice at its beginning are being recorded and preserved, along with historic photos and film clips, for an exhibition and an online archive project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
To share your story and photos, email stories@sthelena.org.uk or call St Helena Hospice’s marketing team on 01206 931464.
Standing to attention - Dr Elizabeth Hall, one of the hospice’s founders and first medical director, and matron Jenny Wayte introduce the royal visitor to some of their nursing team
Final preparations - Susan Willis, part of the hospice's domestic team, gives the red carpet a last-minute brush up, with a hand from Colchester North MP Sir Antony Buck
Invaluable support - this photo was taken by Pat Adams and shows some of her fellow Cherrydale Weavers, a group of dedicated volunteers who began raising funds to build the hospice 40 years ago. Pictured from left are Elizabeth Cooke, Sue Dowrick, Rita Pincombe, Dorothy Hewitt and Beryl Hutley. Dorothy said: “We were introduced as a group of eight at the time and she very carefully counted us all to make sure we were all there”
Special guest - this photo was taken by volunteer Pat Adams, from the fundraising group Cherrydale Weavers
Taking tea - chairman Christopher Holmes enjoys refreshments with the royal guest, prepared by assistant cook Doreen Hill
Thank you for coming - chairman Christopher Holmes presents a commemorative token decorated with St Helena Hospice’s original emblem
In the presence of royalty - selected volunteers and staff took turns to sit with the Queen Mother
All hands to the pump - volunteers from the army and local businesses were among those who helped set up the marquees and bunting for the royal visit
The stage is set - volunteers from the army and local businesses were among those who helped set up the marquees and bunting for the royal visit
Big moment - Bandmaster David McCrum, of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian
Original team - chairman Christopher Holmes introduces the Queen Mother to some of those who worked tirelessly to establish St Helena Hospice. They are Allan Crabtree (centre), who dealt with all PR, Joy Higgins (wearing pink), personal assistant to Pat Gosling, the hospice’s first professional fundraiser and administrator, and Margaret Farrow (wearing blue), head gardener who led the team of volunteer gardeners
Sense of anticipation - nurses waiting excitedly for the royal visitor to arrive. Pictured in the centre is current matron Sue O’Neill
Recipe for success - assistant cook Doreen Hill with Joy Higgins, PA and secretary to Pat Gosling, the hospice’s first professional fundraiser and administrator
Seal of approval - the Queen Mother with chairman Christopher Holmes
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