Memories from when royal visitor came to call
AS a nation mourns the death of the Duke of Edinburgh last week, we look back at the times Prince Philip visited the borough of Rochdale.
He came to town with the Queen in 1954 during their tour of Lancashire.
Prince Philip himself visited the British Vita factory, which made latex, in Middleton on the June 28, 1972, where he was met by company Chairman Norman Grimshaw.
He also briefly visited Castleton in March 1980.
More than 50 schoolchildren, factory- workers and the Mayor and Mayoress waited in the pouring rain to catch a glimpse of him as he passed through the station on his way to Manchester.
He had been on a whirlwind tour of Greater Manchester and had visited the Oldham firm Weatherseal Ltd, before returning to Manchester via Castleton.
In 1994 Prince Philip was back with the Queen.
During their visit they visited St Chad’s Church as it celebrated 800 years of continuous worship and opened the arts and heritage centre, later named Touchstones.
Prince Philip died aged 99 on the morning on Friday, April 9, at Windsor Castle.
The Mayor of Rochdale has also joined tributes to him.
Coun Billy Sheerin, said: “We are all saddened to hear the news.
“We have been fortunate to welcome Prince Philip and the Queen to the borough in the past, which many will remember fondly.
“His work has created a wonderful legacy in initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award which so many local children have benefited from for decades and continue to do so.
“Prince Philip has been a wonderful servant to the country and all our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
Council leader Allen Brett described the Duke of Edinburgh as “a steadfast companion to the Queen and a loyal servant to the country”.
“The news of his passing will be met with great sadness by the people of the borough of Rochdale and everyone at the council,” he said.
“My thoughts and condolences are with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family at this very sad time.”
Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of the council, said: “On behalf of the council I offer my deepest condolences to the Queen and Royal Family.
“Prince Philip was a loyal public servant whose service to our country will be remembered with gratitude and respect.
“He was an example and inspiration to all and his passing is a moment of great national sadness.”
Coun Ashley Dearnley, the leader of the Conservative group at the council, said: “I am deeply saddened at the news of Prince Philip’s death.
“He was a tremendous public servant for our country for more than 70 years and an incredible support to Her Majesty The Queen throughout her reign.
“He will be greatly missed. I was lucky enough to meet Prince Philip on a couple of occasions and he was gracious, charming and knowledgeable about our area.”
Members of the public can sign an online book of condolences at mccbookofcondolence. co. uk Prince Philip’s funeral will be held on April 17 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and a national minute’s silence will be observed as it begins at 3pm.
The Queen has approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation of national mourning, which began on April 9 and runs until and including the day of the funeral.