Tue. Sep 26th, 2023
<div>Queen Elizabeth II: Tyne Valley's 'enduring' memories of visits</div>
<div>Queen Elizabeth II: Tyne Valley's 'enduring' memories of visits</div>

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip officially opening Kielder Water, Northumberland, May 26, 1982
Image caption, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened Kielder Water in 1982

The area’s MP said that the Queen’s visits to the Tyne Valley left “vivid” memories for those who saw her.

She first came to Hexham in 1974 and went back in 1982 to open the Kielder Reservoir.

Guy Opperman said the monarch was a constant in a changing world.

He said that the memories of the many people who attended them have stayed with them.

The monarch’s visit to Hexham to celebrate the abbey’s 1,300th anniversary was the first by a reigning monarch in more than 750 years.

Queen Elizabeth II meeting pupils at Prudhoe High School, May 1998, with the Prudhoe West School Years 3 and 4 choir singing and accompanied by their teacher Anne WalkerImage source, Prudhoe Local History Society
Image caption, Pupils from Prudhoe West School sang for the Queen at Prudhoe High School on her visit in 1998

When asked if he had met the Queen, he said he had.

He said that the atmosphere changed at that time.

We continued to talk about Her Majesty, her public duty, beloved corgis, and her recent meeting with Paddington Bear, for the rest of the session after a sea of hands went up.

HM Queen Elizabeth II 640x55
HM Queen Elizabeth II black line

The country has come together since the Queen’s death, with politicians from all parties speaking highly of her impact.

He said her ability to bring us together has been shown by the tributes from his colleagues.

Follow North East and Cumbria on social media. Send your story idea to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

  • Prudhoe
  • Bellingham
  • Queen Elizabeth II
  • Hexham