Princess Anne in region for openings

Jan 23 2009 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

PRINCESS Anne was in the region yesterday to give the royal seal of approval to a new register office.

The Princess Royal yesterday unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the opening of the building in Broughton Road, South Shields, after meeting with civic dignitaries and staff.

She also offically opened the £20m Sunderland Aquatic Centre.

In South Shields, the Princess was greeted by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Alex Donaldson and his wife Brenda.

The Princess was accompanied by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock and the High Sheriff, John Squires.

Coun Donaldson said: "We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to South Tyneside.

"It was a truly momentous occasion and celebrates the achievements of all those who have been involved in this very exciting and hugely successful project. We are very grateful that The Princess Royal has taken the time to open our wonderful new building and mark a new chapter in the history of our registration service.

"I’m sure all the staff and guests will remember this great day for years to come."

During her visit, Princess Anne was taken on a guided tour where she spent time talking to some of the borough’s new British citizens.

The visit ended with eight-year-old Emelina Lopes, a pupil of Holy Trinity CofE Primary School in South Shields, presenting the Princess with a posy of flowers.

Deputy leader of South Tyneside Council, Coun Alan Kerr, said: "We are very proud of our fabulous new Register Office. Every year, we have thousands of people using the registration services to register births, deaths and for civil ceremonies.

"We want to make sure that we provide the best service possible and this new building includes all the facilities that the residents of South Tyneside would expect from a modern registration service.

"It provides excellent facilities for all of our customers and offers a modern setting."

The Register Office has facilities for public ceremonies including weddings, civil partnerships, citizenship events, renewal of vows and naming ceremonies.

The building, which was opened in November, provides a separate area for people registering births and deaths and giving notice of marriage and civil partnership.