Fundraisers: The Lions intend to give their time to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Queen in Ilford: Day left to win a place in the welcoming party for royal guest

by Zjan Shirinian
Monday, March 19, 2012
3:58 PM

There is just one day left to win a chance to see the Queen in Ilford during her Diamond Jubilee Tour, as we give away two tickets to be among the guests at the welcoming party.

Queen’s 2002 visit to Redbridge

Crowds waved Union Flags and colourful homemade banners as they prepared for the Queen’s first visit to Redbridge since 1949.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh dropped in to the Allotment Project, Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, in May 2002, to meet volunteers from Woodbine Centre, Woodbine Place, Wanstead, who help with planting and weeding the site.

The crowds began to gather outside at 10am. Lucky pupils clasped bunches of flowers ready to present to Her Majesty.

Alice Pascoe, one of the waiting 4th Wanstead Guides, briefly spoke to Her Majesty: “She’s more pretty that I thought she’d be,” she said. “She looked beautiful, very graceful and very caring. I’ll never forget meeting her.”

The Recorder has teamed up with Redbridge Council to offer two readers the chance to join guests gathered at Valentines Mansion for the historic visit on Thursday March 29.

The winners will be given access to the invitation-only area of the mansion and gardens, which will offer a close-up glimpse of the Queen as she makes her visit.

And after witnessing Her Majesty on the first London stop of her UK-wide tour, you and a guest will be invited to a drinks reception in the drawing room of Valentines Mansion.

Designer Sir Terence Conran, who will give a short speech, will be among the dignitaries there. He is overseeing an art and design exhibition London Pride – 60 Years of Bright Ideas.

The Queen’s visit will launch a four-day festival at the mansion with works on display including paintings and small sculptures from the Tate Gallery.

Competition winners will need to arrive by 9am on March 29 to gain access to the invitation only area. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will arrive at 10.25am.

Entrants will be photographed by the Recorder and should be willing to speak about their unique experience as part of our coverage.

• To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Q: The Queen last came to the borough in May 2002 in the build-up to her Golden Jubilee celebrations, but where exactly did she visit?

To enter, email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk and put “Queen competition” in the subject header together with your name, address, date of birth, telephone number and competition answer. Entrants must be 18 and over, though your invited guest can be any age. Please note the prize will not include a chance to meet the Queen in person. Entries must be received no later than noon on Tuesday, March 20. Good luck!