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10 Oct 07Princess Royal Visits The Guildhall
HRH The Princess Royal visited Poole's historic Guildhall as part of a one-day tour of the area.
Her Royal Highness arrived at the Guildhall at midday on Tuesday October 9, where she was greeted by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jeff Allen, Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, Cllr Neil Sorton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources and Christine Stainton, Superintendent Registrar for Borough of Poole.
The Princess Royal was given a tour of the Guildhall where she met the members and officers of Borough of Poole who led the major renovation project to restore the 18th Century building to its former glory. She was also introduced to Darren and Samantha Sheen who were the first couple to get married in the newly refurbished Guildhall.
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jeff Allen, formally welcomed The Princess Royal before inviting Her Royal Highness to unveil a plaque commemorating her visit.
Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, said: "This was a great occasion for the Guildhall and Poole. It was a great honour to be part of the welcoming party for her arrival. The Guildhall portrays a beautiful and historic aspect of Poole and we were proud to show it off in all its glory following the restoration project."
Christine Stainton, Superintendent Registrar at the Guildhall, said: "This was a great experience for everyone involved. The Princess Royal was extremely friendly and talkative. She seemed genuinely interested in the building and the service we offer. She was particularly impressed by the main ceremony room."
A small crowd watched The Princess Royal's arrival and departure from outside the Guildhall.
The Guildhall reopened its doors to the public in May after Borough of Poole invested more than £800,000 to restore the Market Street building, which had stood empty for 16 years.
The Grade 2 listed building is now the home of Borough of Poole's Registration Services and provides a venue for weddings, civil partnerships and other civil ceremonies.
The Princess Royal was also visiting the new Lifeboat College at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution 
(RNLI) in Poole, where she was greeted by the Civic Party, the New Phase IV Building at The Arts Institute in Wallisdown and Her Majesty's Prison Guys Marsh in Shaftesbury.
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