May 16th, 2008

2:05pm Friday 16th May 2008

From the Durham County Advertsier 50 years ago.

- A strenuous seven-hour programme will be undertaken tomorrow by Princess Alexandra, Colonel-in-Chief, when she visit the Durham Light Infantry to take part in their bi-centenary celebrations. It will be her first visit to the regiment as Colonel-in-Chief since she was appointed by the Queen last Christmas Day - her 21st birthday.

Her official duties will start at Brancepeth station, where she will arrive by a train drawn by the aptly-named locomotive Durham Light Infantry. She will then drive to the regiment headquarters at Brancepeth Castle, where she will inspect the 1st and 4th battalions and three ancillary regiments.

Just before the inspection, Her Royal Highness will receive a diamond and ruby brooch in the from of the regiment's badge. Officers and men and former members of the regiment have contributed to the gift. It will be presented on a green velvet cushion by a Chelsea pensioner, Jimmy Wood, late of the regiment.

After lunch, the Princess will enter Durham via Prebends Bridge to attend a bi-centenary commemorative service in the Cathedral. A large crowd of about 2,500 will be in the Cathedral for the service.

After the service, the Princess will drive down North Bailey to the Town Hall where she will take the salute of about 1,000 troops and Old Comrades.

* Compiled with the help of Durham County Council's Clayport library

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