Page 19 - link magazine

The Link Magazine. December 1997 19
MONEY

Sarah Finch-Crisp, Keeper of MATTERS
Lydiard House, sums up months
of planning to make the Queen's
visit to Swindon a success. For friendly, impartial
Several months ago I drew a line advice on
across 7 November in my diary,
something I normally do to indi- Pensions
cate holidays; rather inappropri-
ate in the circumstances. Investments
The Queen's visit had not yet *Mogages
been announced in the press and
her Majesty's luncheon at Lydiard
Park in November seemed a dis- Life Assurance
tant though challenging prospect. *Long Term Care
Details emerged over the next
few weeks. The lunch was to be
hosted by the Swindon Chamber From the largest provider
of Commerce and Industry. Fifty of independent
guests would attend and be intro- financial advice in the UK
duced to the Queen at a reception
in the State Rooms of the house Why not talk to us, your local
before dining. No extra 'smarten- Independent Financial Adviser
ing up monies' would be available
in line with the Council's wish to Castlegate Investments
show the town as it really is. We The Bentley Centre
took a critical look at Lydiard and Stratton Road, Swindon SN1 2SH
were relatively reassured.
As always happens the weeks
flashed by. Lydiard Park Manage- 01793 616333
ment Centre staff began to plan a 01793 521161 (answerphone)
menu fit for the Queen while mu- PIA do not regulate these products
seum staff polished and prepared .
A member of
Des Financial Management PLC
the State Rooms, reblacking the OS
.which is regulated by the
fireplaces, a filthy job not lightly Two wonien in red introduced by the man in black. Sarah Finch-Crisp - Personal Investment Authority
produces a well rehearsed curtsey for the Queen on the steps of Lydiard House
undertaken. The first of many vis-
its by Police Security Officers be- she saw decked with flowers ar-
gan, culminating in their intensive ranged by Swindon floristry stu-
search of the building the evening dents from Lackham College.
before the royal visit. On that day In the Library the Queen signed
a plague of bluebottles emerged to a special page in our visitors book,
feast on sap from a huge ivy which afterwards taking time to talk to
drapes across the archway through waiting guests while Swindon
which her Majesty was due to walk. Young Musicians played guitars,
I was advised that nothing could until- lunch. For museum staff re-
be done, only a downpour would maining downstairs during the
clear the path. meal it was time to snatch a sand-
Fortunately the rain fell suffi- wich while Lydiard's cooks and
ciently hard on Friday morning waitresses took over proceedings.
Ito. TMrory Mon
and the flies disappeared. Guests Catering for fifty people upstairs
Owl fENtON rem tVo HOIItOAPS - -
- --
arrived and crowds gathered in was no mean featbut, Mike Gough, or Robin Hood - -
the sunshine. I waited for the Lydiard's Centre Manager, and his
Queen's arrival on the steps of the team managed with aplomb. Staff
house alongside Coun Derique used to dining rooms on the
Montaut and Management Centre ground floor negotiated long de-
MD, Christine Pilkington. A little serted servant passages and stairs
nervous, all our preparations were to serve the meal, a chicken and
now to be put to the test. wild mushroom dish followed by
Before long the royal cars swept the chef's specially created Lydiard
through the park and moments Pudding.
later the Queen appeared in front The Queen left us at 2.50pm af-
of the house. She was accompa- ter meeting members of staff in the
nied by the Lord Lieutenant of hall. On behalf of the Council I
Wiltshire, her Lady in Waiting, gave her Majesty a picture of
Private Secretary and Equerry. 'Lydiard Through the Trees' by ICUGow
With introductions complete Swindon artist Peter Burton. The ,1.
and curtsies accomplished the Autumn scene mirrored views MAT
*
royal visit to Lydiard began. outside and the Queen looked EEM
. I soon had the opportunity of pleased. She thanked us all, the IRRSIAND Wi, to At-IloAtMuff
1 0ler The hEro fl ni Nootr000qhooro,
telling the Queen that Elizabeth I Lord Lieutenant donned his sword
had visited Lydiard Park in 1592, and the party left.
the last monarch to do so. The The relief amongst the staff was 19 DIC' 17 JAN o
Queen had asked about the his- palpable; two hours planned with theater' Aqoare, nvvonrl,'n CMI 1 O
WRITIRN By C$ARIf.S VANCe *OX OIC*i 0792 *$44*1
tory of the house and commented near military precision had passed
on the State Rooms, all of which without even a hitch.