Royal visit crowns cathedral's floral tribute to c

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[AbsolutelyWilliam] Royal visit crowns cathedral's floral tribute to coronation anniversary





THE Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Guildford on Wednesday evening for a special preview of the Guildford Cathedral Flower Festival to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

They were greeted at the West Door by Sarah Goad, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, before being introduced to the Very Rev Victor Stock, the Dean of Guildford Cathedral, the Rev Canon Maureen Palmer, the Sub Dean, the Rev Canon Nicholas Thistlethwaite, the Precentor and Sue Slark, flower festival chairman and designer.

They were then shown some 80 floral displays designed and made by Surrey members of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies.

Flowers only began arriving on Wednesday morning and one organiser described the scene earlier in the day as ?out of Ground Force?.

But by the time guests started to arrive, lively and evocative displays adorned every conceivable space in the cathedral.

In the centre of the crossing, the Earl and Countess were presented to the organist, sub organist, a lay clerk, two head boy choristers and two girl choristers before being shown into the Regimental Chapel to view the coronation robes.

In the neighbouring St Ursula?s Porch, the Earl showed interest in the display ? Building the Cathedral ? with trellises representing the shape of the cathedral. The display was in front of bricks signed by The Queen, Prince Phillip, Princess Margaret and Queen Mary.

The Guildford Cathedral Flower Festival continues until Sunday, June 8.

Tickets are ?7 and all proceeds are in aid of the Guildford Cathedral Music Development Campaign.

There will also be a market stall, music recitals and refreshments as well as evening activities.