May 21 was the day the Queen returned to Leigh, 32 years after 1977’s memorable Silver Jubilee tour, to perform the official opening of Leigh Sports Village.
Accompanied by council leader Peter Smith and new mayor Mark Aldred (who only took office 24 hours earlier!), the royal party began their tour of the £83million development at Wigan & Leigh Disability Partnership’s ‘Centre for Independent Living’, a council-managed facility that creates opportunities for disabled people to live independent lives.
As crowds gathered outside the stadium, and hundreds of local schoolchildren took to the terraces inside, the rain abated, the clouds parted, the sun shone and the royal visitors looked on as children from 21 local schools took part in a special tag rugby tournament.
Manchester operatic tenor Martin Toal then performed the National Anthem from the centre of the stunning 11,000 capacity stadium, which also houses hospitality and conference facilities, before Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to declare the sports village ‘officially’ open.
There were more children’s activities going on off the pitch too.
Leigh Centurions works with the council to improve the skills and life chances of young people and the Queen dropped in on a classroom lesson.
For more information, visit Leigh Sports Village (external link)
A patriotic well wisher presents the Queen with a bouquet.
A royal surprise...
Jack Bannister, 11, from Leigh CE Junior – who won 4 medals at the Dwarf Athletics Championship (60m, 40m, shot putt and swimming) – got to sit in the Royal Car. The royal driver offered an impromptu invitation to see the car and he was absolutely thrilled and proud. “I’d like to be her chauffeur when I am older”, he said.
View from the crowd...
Sue Smith from Tyldesley: “I was 16 the last time I saw the Queen, during the Jubilee year when she came to Leigh Library – I was delighted to come again.”
Mr Bradley of Diamond Street in Leigh: “There was a lot of local concern about the sports village when it was announced. I watched it being built and it’s a great thing for Leigh.”
Edith from Manchester presented the Queen with a jigsaw as she knows she likes them.
“I am so proud and full of respect for her,” she said. “It was wonderful to come here today.”
Billinge joiner Adam Ward was at Heinz and followed her to Leigh “just to see the event.”
