Queenz Meanz Heinz
It was a day of pink and gold as the Queen made the Kitt Green Heinz factory's 50th birthday a right royal one.
Half a century to the day since the then Lord Chancellor Viscount Kimuir declared the giant plant open, Britain's monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh paid their first visit.
There was, however, a feeling of dj vu. The Queen Mother was the first royal visitor to the site weeks after it opened, and the Queen and Prince Philip were given several reminders of that long-ago occasion.
They were greeted at the original entrance to the premises by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, Heinz's Vice-President Scott O'Hara, plant boss Jaap Wilbers and other company dignitaries. They were also shown film footage of the Queen Mother's visit.
Appropriately flanking the entrance was the Trinity Girls' Band of Garswood who are themselves celebrating their golden anniversary, and 50 Year 7 (57 - get it?) pupils from Pembec Business and Enterprise College.
The Queen, herself striking all in pink, was presented with a bouquet by the factory's longest-serving female member of staff, Margaret Harris, who has clocked up 44 years. The posie was commissioned by Heinz from the Wild Flowers shop in Standish.
The royal couple were shown a display of cans from over the decades, including ones sold during the war with small labels to save paper.
They were shown a demonstration of the canning process from Mark McCaldon, 21, who has just finished his apprenticeship. Mark said: "I was nervous but it was a lot more informal and calm than I thought it would be."
The Queen switched on a new multi-packing machine and unveiled a plaque. The hi-tech gadget's workings were explained by Philip Crompton, chief engineer.
He said: "The Queen asked me what I did and if I looked after the site. When I said yes to the second question she said 'Well that's quite a task you've got.' She started the machine and everything went to plan, which was a relief."
Both Royals were introduced to a number of Heinz retirees and long-serving staff along with children from both Pembec and Hope School. Among the staff were Joseph Moxham, Bernard Lloyd and Barry Aspey who have notched up 128 years' service.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
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