One of the top seaside attractions in Britain has created a lasting tribute to Princess Anne, in recognition of her recent visit to Southport.
HRH The Princess Royal recently led the re-dedication of Southport War Memorial to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the landmark was built.
She was welcomed by thousands of veterans, schoolchildren and crowds of well-wishers and left a positive impression on everyone present.
Princess Anne’s name has now been added to Silcock’s Carousel, a Victorian era attraction which stands proudly at the entrance to Southport Pier.
It was recently voted the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the 2023 Bucket and Spade List 2023, organised by the The Seaside Heritage Network.
Earlier this year it was voted as one of the top 10 Hidden Gems in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
Built in 1901, the 18-ton ride has 33 carved horses – each of them named after a member of the Silcock family and family friends.
Silcock’s Carousel, one of the top seaside attractions in Britain, has created a lasting tribute to Princess Anne, in recognition of her recent royal visit to Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Acclaimed local artist and sign writer Graham Booth has dedicated Princess Anne’s name to one of the 33 horses as a lasting reminder of her royal visit to Southport.
A framed picture of her name on the Carousel has now been dispatched to Princess Anne.
The Silcock family donated £500 to the Southport branch of the Royal British Legion, which organised the Southport War Memorial re-dedication ceremony.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“We were delighted to do this in honour of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, to mark her re-dedication of Southport War Memorial to mark its Centenary during her visit to Southport.
“It was a really historic occasion for our town and a very poignant event.
“It really put Southport on the map.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“Everyone was very impressed by Princess Anne during her visit to Southport.
“She gave so much time to everyone, chatting with veterans, with local schoolchildren, with everyone. She made quite an impression.
“The Silcock family wanted to do something fitting and lasting to recognise Princess Anne’s visit to our town.”
Event organiser, Major Nick McEntee TD VR REME and Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Southport, said:
“‘What an incredible way to remember HRH The Princess Royal’s visit!
“Given her love of horses this feels so appropriate and so personal.
“We cannot thank the Silcock family enough for their support before, during and after the royal visit.
“We will be working with them going forward to find ways to support the armed forces community in Southport for many years to come.”
After the huge success of the Princess Anne visit, one of their next ambitions is to make a case for the national Armed Forces Day event to be held in Southport.
Silcock’s Carousel, one of the top seaside attractions in Britain, has created a lasting tribute to Princess Anne, in recognition of her recent royal visit to Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Southport War Memorial was opened in 1923 by the Earl of Derby and 320 children whose parents had been tragically killed on the battlefields in World War One.
During the Great War, between 1914 and 1918, it is estimated that nearly 10,000 men and women from Southport served with His Majesty’s Forces overseas or at home, out of a population of 72,500.
The Roll of Honour in the four Cenotaphs of the Memorial included no fewer than 1,133 names when it was officially unveiled.
Hundreds more were added during the Second World War and from conflicts around the world since then, including in Iraq and Afghanistan during this century.
Her Royal Highness attended the event in her capacity as President of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion.
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