The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Dorset (From Bournemouth Echo)

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Dorset

9:11am Friday 12th June 2009 in

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THOUGHTS of recession and political turmoil made way for flag waving and sunshine as Her Majesty the Queen visited Dorset on a perfect summer’s day.

Taking the Royal Train to Weymouth, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh spent Thursday morning touring the seaside resort’s seafront and taking a stroll on the beach before meeting Olympic hopefuls at Portland National Sailing Academy, a venue for the 2012 Games.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh then headed into Purbeck to visit the Tank Museum at Bovington and Goldy’s Farm Shop at Lytchett Matravers.

In sea green dress, coat and hat, the monarch was greeted by dignitaries, including Tank Museum chairman, Sir Roger Wheeler, and director, Richard Smith.

She enjoyed lunch before officially opening the museum’s £16.5m redevelopment project and watching a live display of British tanks.

The Queen was greeted by hundreds of flag-waving youngsters from Bovington and Wool’s schools.

Robin Christopher, who was visiting with wife Jenny and daughter Ella, who was celebrating her second birthday, said: “It’s a great privilege and we can get some photos that she can treasure for the rest of her life.”

Amanda Simmons, who turned out in the sunshine with children Euan, two and Ryan, six, added: “It’s a great thing for the children, although we (adults) seem to be more excited than them!”

After the display, the Queen and Duke toured the museum’s new exhibition hall and met Normandy veteran Joe Elkins, who, having trained at Bovington, destroyed three Nazi Tiger tanks in 12 minutes in August 1944.

Modest Trooper Joe, 86, said the Queen was “amazed” at his story and said she was “friendly”.

“It was an occasion, she had a nice smile,” he said.

Museum director Richard Smith said Prince Phillip in particular, showed a great interest in the work of the museum – both their grandchildren, Princes William and Harry, trained at Bovington Camp.

He said: “I think they, like everybody else, were hugely impressed with our new hall, it’s a bit like walking into a cathedral.

“The Duke of Edinburgh, who I showed around, thought it was terrific, he loved it and he was going off in all different directions looking at the stuff and was really interested.”

Leaving to cheers and crowds of children waving flags, the Queen and Duke headed to Goldy’s farm shop at Lytchett Matravers, which had just moved back into its usual home after a fire destroyed the roof only a month ago.

At Goldy’s Prince Phillip was given a birthday cake to mark his 88th birthday, which was on Wednesday, and staff sang “happy birthday” to him.

Owner Jenny Goldsack said: “It was wonderful, they really enjoyed it and grasped what we were about.

“They saw bread making and the butchery and the polytunnels.

“They got to grips with the energy aspects and the fact that we have the old traditions and the modern technology and are working with the young.”

• Click view gallery at the top of this story for more pictures