Memories of Diana, Princess of Wales in Hartlepool - on the day she would have turned 60
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The date was March 18, 1987, and a Royal couple – Prince Charles and Princess Diana – brought the crowds out in their thousands.
Today, on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday, we take a look at a very special visit to Hartlepool
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Hide AdPrincess Diana wowed the people of Hartlepool and especially one very appreciative 11-year-old. Jill Barnfather was in the crowds when the Princess spotted her shivering as she was about to present a bouquet.
“She said that I must be freezing and asked me if I had a coat. I told her I had a cardigan behind me,” said Jill, 34 years ago. “She was really beautiful.”
The Hartlepool Mail team of reporters was there to mingle with the crowds and sample the atmosphere.
Our report on the day said: “The sunshine royals swept into Hartlepool to a huge warm welcome from cheering crowds.”
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Hide AdThe crowd broke into a chorus of Land Of Hope And Glory as Diana said hello to locals. She was wearing a large black and white checked coat.
The couple were received by the deputy lieutenant of Cleveland Charles MacFarlane. The official party which greeted them was Mayor and Mayoress Bob and Jean Barnfather as well as chief executive Nat Abram.
But it was the crowds, which had waited so long for the special occasion, who told us more at the time.
Alice Pearson, 95, said in 1987: “I love all the Royal family but it is Di I have come to see. I have been looking forward to it for ages.”
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Hide AdAlice was one of many residents of the Owton Fens home for the elderly who were allowed on to the station platform to get a closer view.
Diana came over to chat to them. Wyn Parker ran the station’s photo booth back then and was given the chance to sell Hartlepool’s finer points to the princess.
"I told her it was the best place in the world and the people are lovely.”
Children from three Hartlepool schools – Brougham, St Joseph’s and Ward Jackson – were allowed to skip lessons to be at the special occasion.
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