The Friends of Lydiard Park were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and give thanks for her life and 70 years of service to the nation.
Earlier this year we celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with a collection of photographs, recollections, audio and memorabilia that tell the story of her majesty’s visit to Lydiard Park in November 1997. The excitement and pleasure she brought to many people on that occasion is fondly remembered.
From cheering crowds of local school children to a formal reception in the State Rooms and luncheon upstairs the visit went without a hitch, despite challenges experienced in the kitchen. Mike Gough who was General Manager of Lydiard Park Conference Centre and Sarah Finch-Crisp, former Keeper of Lydiard House, recall behind the scenes preparations from sniffer dogs to perfecting the menu while former Mayoress of Swindon, Sheila Fanning, describes her lunch with the Queen and some amusing moments involving a royal handbag and gloves! It was a big day in Lydiard’s history – the previous visit by a monarch being over 400 years earlier by Queen Elizabeth 1st in 1592. This time no one was knighted, but many happy memories were created.