She
inspected the guard of honour and a march past followed with swords drawn and
bayonet fixed. HMS Collingwood was
presented with the freedom of the Borough on 3rd April 1975.
The
official unveiling of a memorial plaque followed the march past by Mrs. Mary
Fagin. The exhibition of sculptures
was declared open. It is the
biggest outdoor ironwork exhibition in the world and is expected to attract
visitors from far and wide.
The
Society donated £500.00 towards the cost of the water fountain and a memorial
plaque with raised lettering is now an integral part of that feature.
A photograph of the plaque is in the archives and on the Society web
page.
The
opening was later followed by a civic luncheon in Ferneham Hall when guests were
honoured also by the attendance of all ironsmith artists responsible for the
exhibits.
Interestingly,
the president and I met with Brigadier Paul Cort, a direct descendent of Henry
Cort in whose honour this permanent exhibition has been arranged.
The
installation of the plaque in such a conspicuous location so close to the site
upon which the original school was founded gives a further permanent reminder to
the Borough of William Price and his continuing educational legacy.
Derek
Marlow
Chairman.