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The King's Coronation: Miniature gold coach and Prince Philip sherry glass feature in coronation exhibition at Brora





A STUNNING, miniature gold coach complete with six white horses and red-jacketed riders is one of a number of items connected to royalty going on display at a coronation exhibition in Brora.

Alistair Risk's grandfather bought the model coach in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Alistair Risk's grandfather bought the model coach in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The temporary exhibition at Brora Heritage Centre takes a look at past royal visits to the village and also includes a sherry glass out of which Prince Philip drank during a visit to Brora coal mine.

The coach is on loan from local resident Alistair Risk whose family bought it to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago.

Mr Risk (78), who vividly recalls the occasion, said: “As our house was the only one with a television, my parents decided to hold a party to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953.

“I suggested that the hall table could have a model procession on it as folk arrived. My dear old grandpa liked the idea and, without telling me, went out and bought this coach to put at the head of the procession.

“I have no real idea of what it cost, but I would think about £5 to £10, which was a lot in 1953. Now it is worth much more than that.”

Mr Risk displayed the coach for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

The exhibition at Brora Heritage Centre at Fascally, which is run by Clyne Heritage Society, also showcases other fascinating items linked to royalty.

The exhibition is at Brora Heritage Centre.
The exhibition is at Brora Heritage Centre.

Ellen Lindsay, of the society, said: “Objects and photographs from the society’s collection are displayed as well as some loaned by local residents, associated with royal celebrations of the past.

“Objects include coins, mugs, and the sherry glass used by Prince Philip, the then Duke of Edinburgh, on his visit to Brora coal mine."

She added: "The society is looking to involve the community with the exhibition and would like to hear from anyone who remembers past royal visits, or can loan photographs or objects associated with royal events. It will be ongoing for a while so items can be added to it."

The heritage centre is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Brora Heritage Centre.
Brora Heritage Centre.

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