Town’s tributes to Royal who was much admired
Scarborough residents have been paying their tributes and sharing their memories of Prince Philip. Entertainer and theatrical producer Tony Peers, who met the Duke of Edinburgh, twice, described the prince as “a great fella”.
“All that I’d heard about him in terms of character was true,” he said. “He was lovely.”
Mr Peers produced and hosted the show which marked the opening of Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre in 2010 that was attended by the Queen and Prince Philip.
He said families who may not usually have the opportunity to visit the theatre were invited to be part of the audience.
They and the royal couple were treated to performances by local theatre groups as well as a specially written play about Scarborough’s history.
As a tenant of the Duchy’s offices on Scalby Road, Mr Peers was also invited to lunch hosted by the Queen and Duke in Colne in Lancashire.
He said the royal pair spoke to most of the 300 guests there. “Prince Philip asked me if I was a farmer.
I said ‘No, I’m a theatrical producer’,” said Mr Peers.
“He said ‘Oh dear, that must be twice as bad!’
“He was just how you would imagine him to be. He was charming. He was quite a guy and had a twinkle in his eye.
“I was genuinely sorry to hear he had died because he was a good guy.”
Scarborough Borough Councillor Bill Chatt has a photo hung up at his home taken when he and his wife met the Queen and Prince Philip at the Open Air Theatre.
They sat with the royal couple as Cllr Chatt was mayor at the time – but only just. He handed over the title just a few hours later as it was Scarborough’s Mayor Making day.
“He was a man of distinction and a good man,” said Cllr Chatt.
“He was a lovely guy.”
He said it was a gloriously sunny day and the Duke had commented on the swallows swooping down onto the Open Air Theatre’s lake.
“He was absolutely fantastic and I was very saddened to hear he had passed away,” he added.
Scarborough and Whitby
MP Robert Goodwill said of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh: “It’s very sad news and what a shame he didn’t make the century.
“He had a life lived to the full. First his naval career during World War Two and then his support to the Queen which has been amazing.
“He has always been somebody people treat with a great deal of respect, and he was forthright in expressing his views.”
Mr Goodwill recalled meeting Prince Philip with the Queen when she opened the Open Air Theatre in 2010. The MP had just been appointed to the whips office.
When he told the Duke of his appointment, Prince Philip smiled and said: “Oh, bad luck!”
Mr Goodwill said: “I feel for the Queen. He’s been her confidant and by her side for 71 years. His death will leave a very big hole.
“Covid means that there will not be the opportunity for everyone in the country to pay their respects in the normal way.
“I’m sure that there will be a tremendous wish for the whole country to show support and give thanks for a life well lived.”
On behalf of Scarborough Borough Council, the Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Hazel Lynskey, said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.
“As we reflect, with gratitude, on his selfless dedication to duty and service, our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time of personal and national sorrow.
“We will send a special letter of condolence to Buckingham Palace to convey our sentiments to them directly.
“I have fond memories of The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to the borough in 2010, when he attended the official opening of Scarborough Open Air Theatre with Her Majesty The Queen.
“A wonderful day was had by all who attended and the Royal couple certainly seemed to enjoy the fantastic musical performances and the wonderful atmosphere created by all those who packed out the theatre to welcome them.
“It was a day on which lifetime memories were created and one I will always remember fondly.”
Speaking personally, she said: “I feel desperately sorry for the Queen, it’s her husband and she’s a normal person with normal feelings and she will desperately miss him.
“He was a fantastic guy and he was also quite a character. He was always smiling.”
‘He was a fantastic guy and he was also quite a character. He was always smiling’ Mayor Hazel Lynskey
Cloughton’s royal connection, l and former blacksmith’s meetings with the Duke: see page 15.