Chairman of the Camrose Racing Pigeons Club remembers meeting the Queen

Stewart Guy, who lives in Charter Alley and is the chairman of the Camrose Racing Pigeons Club, has been reflecting on the Queen's lifetime of service.

Speaking to the Gazette he reminisced and reflected on his memory of meeting Queen Elizabeth, who was the Patron of the Racing Pigeon Association in Great Britain.  

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Stewart met the beloved Queen when she visited Radio 210 in 1978, who had its own team of racing pigeons managed by Stewart. The station was based in Reading but in recent years has been taken over by Heart Radio.

Stewart meeting the Queen with 210 racing pigeons (Image: Stewart Guy)

He said: "She was extremely interested in the fact that the radio station had their own team of racing pigeons and as a result, she spent several minutes with me discussing and watching the birds being released. 

"I have several photos of this occasion. HM The Queen had her own racing pigeon lofts with a royal loft manager in the Sandringham Estate."

He told the Gazette that he remembers the Queen taking such an interest that she stayed longer than she was meant to. He said this is a reflection of her "dedication to service".

He added: "The highlight of the visit to the radio station for me was when she viewed the team of racing pigeons. 

"I managed this team and I am the person in the photograph talking to the Queen on the left-hand side of the photo. These racing pigeons were released to return to their lofts.  

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"The gentleman in the centre of the picture is Neil Ffrench-Blake who was the programme controller at that time. The Queen is very knowledgeable and used to visit the lofts regularly."

Stewart has fond memories of meeting the Queen and said he will treasure the memory of having the pleasure of meeting her.