Princess Alexandra met with dozens of villagers when she visited Hambledon to hear about the community work that led to it winning the Surrey Village of the Year competition for 2008/09.

The Princess, accompanied by Mrs Sarah Goad, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, arrived at the village shop where she was met by Jane Woolley, clerk to Hambledon Parish Council, who was her escort for much of the visit.

SEE PHOTOS HERE

She was introduced to shop directors, staff and volunteers and George Pitt and Philip Underwood told her about how the shop was rescued from closure and reopened as a community-run venture.  Amanda Wright, the shop manager and Alison Wilson, Post Office Manager, showed her around and introduced her to volunteers John and Annie Tidmarsh, Judy Leeper and Cynthia Miller and Post Office clerk Alan Brien.

The Princess was presented with a cake baked by Mary Parker, given a copy of the parish magazine and a short demonstration of the village website.

She heard about the work of the Village Trust and the Community Fund from Mary Burrows and Raymond Smith, who were joined by Helen Bowcock and Wendy Varcoe from Surrey Community Foundation.

She was told about the work that went into winning the Calor Village of the Year competition from Jane Caie and Stewart Payne, both parish councillors, and Jean Roberts-Jones from Surrey Community Action.

The Princess and members of her party purchased fresh strawberries and raspberries supplied to the shop by Tuesley Farm.

Outside she chatted to villagers who had gathered to greet her, including staff and pupils from St Dominic's School.

She then walked across the cricket green in bright sunshine to the pavilion where she was introduced to representatives of the village organisations that contribute so much to community life in Hambledon, including St Peter's Church, the nursery school, the cricket and football clubs, the Ramblers, the Village Hall, the Wednesday Afternoon Group, Almshouses, Heritage Society and Oakhurst Cottage.

On her way in she met with Ron Vickery, the longest serving parish councillor with 30 years of service.

Before she left she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and signed the historic Hambledon Scrapbook.

A photographic record of her visit can be found on the "photos" section of this website.