Hiran Adhia

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Ilford: ‘It was like talking to my mum’, says schoolboy

by Zjan Shirinian, News Editor Friday, March 30, 2012
1:24 PM

“It was like talking to my mum” was the verdict from a schoolboy who had a good old natter with her Majesty as she looked at artwork by Redbridge’s talented young.

The Queen views artowork put together by some of the borough's schoolchildren

While nerves were in the air for Hiran Adhia, they quickly went away once the Queen stepped inside the Design Marquee in the grounds of Valentines Mansion.

The 17-year-old was standing next to a canvas made of stamps he and his peers at Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Barkingside, put together.

The Queen’s head was formed out of dozens of stamps spanning the last 60 years.

After speak to the Queen Hiran said: “I asked her if she thought it was a good likeness.

“She took a step back and said, ‘yes, it does look like me’.

“She said you can pick up a couple of key figures [on the canvas].

“I said I enjoyed making it but I’m sick of stamps now!

“I think she wanted to say: ‘I’m not too keen on them myself’.”

He added: “I just thought I’d take a chance and talk to her.”

Schoolboy Alex Rose had the Queen laughing out loud as she spoke to him while his father Jason, 46, painted his portrait.

Artist Yvette Rawson, 50, had tins with a vintage feel on display decorated in different ways.

She said: “The Queen came right over and looked at one of the tins.

“It was exciting but also surreal. She’s someone you see on TV growing up so it was quite special.”