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Prince William puts a smile on Blackburn faces
PRINCE William showed off his own football skills in a training session with youngsters in Blackburn.
The heir to the throne delighted children by spinning the ball on his finger and taking part in kick abouts in the playground.
FA Director Trevor Brooking was also watching the session but did not get involved and the pair spoke to school children about the FA skills programme at St Aidan's Primary School, Norfolk Street.
The Prince was visiting St Aidan's in his role as president of the Football Association to take a look at the impact the FA Skills Programme is having on youngsters in the area.
The Prince arrived to applause and cheering just after 11am in a black Range Rover escorted by four police motor bikes with flashing lights.
As he got out of the back of the car, dressed in a grey suit with a red and black tie, a shout was heard from 150-strong crowd of come on William, give us a wave.'
He smiled towards the crowd shyly.
The prince was greeted by FA representative and former England international Trevor Brooking, council dignitaries, school staff and the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen at the school entrance before going inside.
Earlier, crowds gathered outside the school in the sunshine to greet the Prince, who is second in line to the throne.
Mums with prams and royal fans from all over the country were standing with photographs of the young princes and were being ushered behind metal barriers by police outside the school gates.
Police in high visibility jackets stopped traffic travelling down Norfolk Street.
Norman Williams, 71, has come from Wrexham this morning.
He said: "I was up at 6am this morning to come here with a friend. I am going to Walsall tomorrow to see him again. I want to give him a picture I took of him, Harry and Peter Phillips in 2002.
"I like the continuity and history the royals represent. I can't think of anything better. Governments come and go but the royal family stay."
Kathleen Hodkinson, 59, from the Livesey area of Blackburn went along to see her grand daughter meet the prince. She said: "My grand daughter Ebony Hodkinson, six, is going to meet him. She's all excited. It's great for Blackburn. I'm a royal fan and I think he will make a great king."
Joyce Martin-Clough, 75, from Brownhill, Blackburn was there with her husband John also 75 to see the prince. She said: "I have always wanted to see him. It's a great honour for him to come to Blackburn. He's a prince for the people like his mother."
MILL Hill residents said they were "made up for life" after shaking Prince William's hand.
Tens of people pushed their way to the front of the school entrance to wave the royal goodbye.
The Prince, who had spent an hour and a half with staff and children said "I'm sorry I've kept you all waiting."
When presented with a picture of himself by Norman Williams from Wrexham, he said, "Oh I was blonder then and had more hair."
The Prince shook people's hands, many of whom had flags in the other, before he was driven away in a dark green Rangerover.
Susan Ramsbottom, 48, from Parkinson Street, Mill Hill, said: "What an honour for Mill Hill.
"He said lovely to meet you and gave us a right good hand shake. He is a right nice lad, very down to earth. I never thought he'd come, it's made my life."
Pauline Leaver also from Parkinson Street, said: I thoroughly enjoyed it it gives you a lift in this gloomy world."
Michael Hunt, 25, from Olive Lane, Darwen, said: "I asked William why he didn't join the RAF and he said I'm army all the way.
"I had to get the question in but I didn't want to get arrested. I can't believe how many police there! It's a bit over the top."
Janet Brown from Pleckgate, Blackburn, was there to watch her son Nathan, 11, take part in the football session with the Prince.
Jane said: "Nathan has been excited all week and after dribbling the football with Prince William he'll have a lot to say when he gets home.
"I've taken plenty of pictures. It's good for the area and up north in general.
"He has a lovely presence and he spent a lot of time with the children."
11:29am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Darrener, Mill Hill on 10:32am Fri 9 May 08
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.
Posted by: John R93, Mill Hill on 11:49am Fri 9 May 08
So thats why the street sweepers were about early this morning.
Wish we had more visits... of street sweepers not Royalty! though they are welcome as well.
So thats why the street sweepers were about early this morning.
Wish we had more visits... of street sweepers not Royalty! though they are welcome as well.
Posted by: Marlene, Pendle on 12:12pm Fri 9 May 08
I feel so proud of our two Princes, they are simply the best!
I feel so proud of our two Princes, they are simply the best!
Posted by: Gaz, Meadowhead on 12:29pm Fri 9 May 08
[bold]Only an area as backward as Mill Hill could attract the future King of England, but not a sigle bin man (sorry, garbage collection engineer)in the space of a week.
Beautiful![/bold]
Only an area as backward as Mill Hill could attract the future King of England, but not a sigle bin man (sorry, garbage collection engineer)in the space of a week.
Beautiful! Posted by: paul, witton on 12:39pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Darrener[/bold] wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.[/quote] put a sock in it you big BABY
Darrener wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.
put a sock in it you big BABY
Posted by: Hellboy, Headcases Hell... on 12:47pm Fri 9 May 08
Hoorah!Good old Billy Wales!
He's just an ordinary bloke actually...
Hoorah!Good old Billy Wales!
He's just an ordinary bloke actually...
Posted by: John Heyworth, sunny, clean southern california on 12:53pm Fri 9 May 08
LOL Mill Hill what a dump , mind you i suppose you need to keep the subjects happy .
LOL Mill Hill what a dump , mind you i suppose you need to keep the subjects happy .
Posted by: Ian the Beancounter, Darwen on 1:21pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote]from Olive Lane, [italic][bold]Darwin[/bold][/italic] [/quote]
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly!
from Olive Lane, Darwin
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly!
Posted by: Observer, Mill Hill (London) on 1:24pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Darrener[/bold] wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.[/quote] L O V L
Darrener wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.
L O V L
Posted by: Adam, Lower darwen on 1:35pm Fri 9 May 08
Is it true he was in 'The Navi' at 10.00am for a pint with the local drunkards?
Is it true he was in 'The Navi' at 10.00am for a pint with the local drunkards?
Posted by: frank..jr.. on 1:43pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Darrener[/bold] wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.[/quote] i love it keep up the good work
Darrener wrote:
Bet he thinks he's back in the war zone when he see's Mill Hill.
i love it keep up the good work
Posted by: Royalist, Buckingham Palace on 1:57pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote]quote[/quote] Tens of People pushed their way to the front of the school entrance[quote]quote[/quote] Only the Telegraph reporters could come up with such a quote. A very poor turnout from the people of Blackburn and in particular Mill Hill to see the future King of the Country. Shame on you all, could have done better.
quote
Tens of People pushed their way to the front of the school entrance
quote
Only the Telegraph reporters could come up with such a quote. A very poor turnout from the people of Blackburn and in particular Mill Hill to see the future King of the Country. Shame on you all, could have done better.
Posted by: shab on 1:57pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote]quote[/quote] you be better sending the s.a.s in
quote
you be better sending the s.a.s in
Posted by: Burnley Taxpayer, Burnley on 2:53pm Fri 9 May 08
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 3:04pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Ian the Beancounter[/bold] wrote:
[quote]from Olive Lane, [italic][bold]Darwin[/bold][/italic] [/quote]
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly![/quote] This is what you expect from BBC Radio and TV, not the local rag - appalling!
I note that some of the punctuation and grammar in this piece also leaves a lot to be desired.
I can only assume the "web editor" is under 30 and did not study English language at school.
Ian the Beancounter wrote:
from Olive Lane, Darwin
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly!
This is what you expect from BBC Radio and TV, not the local rag - appalling!
I note that some of the punctuation and grammar in this piece also leaves a lot to be desired.
I can only assume the "web editor" is under 30 and did not study English language at school.
Posted by: Grammar man, Dictionary on 3:38pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Merlin, The Voice of Reason[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Ian the Beancounter[/bold] wrote: [quote]from Olive Lane, [italic][bold]Darwin[/bold][/italic] [/quote] Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly![/quote] This is what you expect from BBC Radio and TV, not the local rag - appalling! I note that some of the punctuation and grammar in this piece also leaves a lot to be desired. I can only assume the "web editor" is under 30 and did not study English language at school.[/quote] the standard of grammar and punctuation in most LT articles leaves a lot to be desired, perhaps it is called journalistic licence but really just thick uneducated reporters who don't know better!!!!
Merlin, The Voice of Reason wrote:
Ian the Beancounter wrote: from Olive Lane, Darwin
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly!
This is what you expect from BBC Radio and TV, not the local rag - appalling! I note that some of the punctuation and grammar in this piece also leaves a lot to be desired. I can only assume the "web editor" is under 30 and did not study English language at school.
the standard of grammar and punctuation in most LT articles leaves a lot to be desired, perhaps it is called journalistic licence but really just thick uneducated reporters who don't know better!!!!
Posted by: Ex-Darrener on 3:47pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Ian the Beancounter[/bold] wrote:
[quote]from Olive Lane, [italic][bold]Darwin[/bold][/italic] [/quote]
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly![/quote] If the LT can't spell Darwen, or any of its local towns correctly, it really is time to give up and the last one out at High Street to turn off the lights. Over two hours after Ian The Beancounter pointed out the mistake, they still haven't corrected it, so no-one there is reading this and chances are it will be spelt wrong in the paper tomorrow. No wonder The Darrener needed to be set up in opposition.
Ian the Beancounter wrote:
from Olive Lane, Darwin
Come now, LT. At least spell the town name correctly!
If the LT can't spell Darwen, or any of its local towns correctly, it really is time to give up and the last one out at High Street to turn off the lights. Over two hours after Ian The Beancounter pointed out the mistake, they still haven't corrected it, so no-one there is reading this and chances are it will be spelt wrong in the paper tomorrow. No wonder The Darrener needed to be set up in opposition.
Posted by: Freida, Blackburn on 4:50pm Fri 9 May 08
This was about teaching football skills to primary age children who could one day play for England. The Prince and Sir Trevor were the icing on the cake after several weeks of training with the F.A. The children loved it, they felt so lucky to meet Prince William and Sir Trevor Brooking and has given some children an opportunity they may never have again. It is most likely a once in a lifetime chance to kick a ball with the future King! What a way to encourage English footballers of the future!
This was about teaching football skills to primary age children who could one day play for England. The Prince and Sir Trevor were the icing on the cake after several weeks of training with the F.A. The children loved it, they felt so lucky to meet Prince William and Sir Trevor Brooking and has given some children an opportunity they may never have again. It is most likely a once in a lifetime chance to kick a ball with the future King! What a way to encourage English footballers of the future!
Posted by: stooball66, backburn on 5:09pm Fri 9 May 08
WELCOME WILLIAM SORRY ABOUT THE DUMP.ITS NU LABOUR.
TO THOSE WHO MAY WONDER THE BEANCOUNTER KNOWS ALL SEES ALL AND NEVER DOES FOOK ALL BUT CRITISISE SO DONT BE UPSET TRY THE FORUM HE REALLY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH
WELCOME WILLIAM SORRY ABOUT THE DUMP.ITS NU LABOUR.
TO THOSE WHO MAY WONDER THE BEANCOUNTER KNOWS ALL SEES ALL AND NEVER DOES FOOK ALL BUT CRITISISE SO DONT BE UPSET TRY THE FORUM HE REALLY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH
Posted by: WHALLEY RANGERZ, BLACKBURN on 5:59pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]paul[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Darrener[/bold] wrote: Bet he thinks he\'s back in the war zone when he see\'s Mill Hill.[/quote] put a sock in it you big BABY[/quote] HAHAHAHA U CALLING MILL HILL A WAR ZONE U HAVENT EVEN STEPPED OUT UR AREA MATE COME TO WHALLEY RANGE WITH UR POSSIES AND SEE IF U WALK OUT UN HURT U SKIN HEAD PUDOS WE HAVE ALREADY TOOK OVER ROE LEE I THINK IT WILL BE MILL HILL NEXT WATCH PANORAMA[bold]bold[/bold]
paul wrote:
Darrener wrote: Bet he thinks he\'s back in the war zone when he see\'s Mill Hill.
put a sock in it you big BABY
HAHAHAHA U CALLING MILL HILL A WAR ZONE U HAVENT EVEN STEPPED OUT UR AREA MATE COME TO WHALLEY RANGE WITH UR POSSIES AND SEE IF U WALK OUT UN HURT U SKIN HEAD PUDOS WE HAVE ALREADY TOOK OVER ROE LEE I THINK IT WILL BE MILL HILL NEXT WATCH PANORAMA
Posted by: Sharon Caton, Houghton on 8:32pm Fri 9 May 08
I'm not defending the LT on the spelling etc in this article, but it's perhaps worth bearing in mind that it was probably put together as a 'live' piece being phoned through from the school.
In which case most places like the LT have a copy taker who isn't a journalist.
Also, the sub teams won't get internet feeds, especially 'live' ones because they're always being changed/updated.
Still, internet articles should be checked more thoroughly and monitored more regularly!
I only know this kind of thing because I have worked on a similar publication douth south where similar things happen.
I'm not defending the LT on the spelling etc in this article, but it's perhaps worth bearing in mind that it was probably put together as a 'live' piece being phoned through from the school.
In which case most places like the LT have a copy taker who isn't a journalist.
Also, the sub teams won't get internet feeds, especially 'live' ones because they're always being changed/updated.
Still, internet articles should be checked more thoroughly and monitored more regularly!
I only know this kind of thing because I have worked on a similar publication douth south where similar things happen.
Posted by: Nicci, Mill Hill on 8:40pm Fri 9 May 08
I only went to get a loaf of bread and shook the future kings hand!!! His mother would of been so proud what a wondeful day to remeber, and i got my bread!! Nicci
I only went to get a loaf of bread and shook the future kings hand!!! His mother would of been so proud what a wondeful day to remeber, and i got my bread!! Nicci
Posted by: adele, blackburn on 9:13pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Burnley Taxpayer[/bold] wrote:
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.[/quote] Well said. One day the rest of the population will have the brains to ask why we are struggling to keep our heads above the water, when all the time the Royals get life handed to them on a plate. What have exactly have the Royals to be thanked for? Surely it should be them bowing to us for all our hard earned cash, that keeps them in the life of luxury.
Burnley Taxpayer wrote:
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.
Well said. One day the rest of the population will have the brains to ask why we are struggling to keep our heads above the water, when all the time the Royals get life handed to them on a plate. What have exactly have the Royals to be thanked for? Surely it should be them bowing to us for all our hard earned cash, that keeps them in the life of luxury.
Posted by: me,, here on 11:33pm Fri 9 May 08
OH STOP BLOODY WHINING THE LOT OF YOU!! The future King of England visited your precious town and all you can do is whinge about it... you make me laugh.
OH STOP BLOODY WHINING THE LOT OF YOU!! The future King of England visited your precious town and all you can do is whinge about it... you make me laugh.
Posted by: Shell, leyland on 4:22am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]me,[/bold] wrote:
OH STOP BLOODY WHINING THE LOT OF YOU!! The future King of England visited your precious town and all you can do is whinge about it... you make me laugh.[/quote] HERE! HERE!
me, wrote:
OH STOP BLOODY WHINING THE LOT OF YOU!! The future King of England visited your precious town and all you can do is whinge about it... you make me laugh.
HERE! HERE!
Posted by: me,, here on 6:01am Sat 10 May 08
Shell,
:)
Posted by: karen on 8:11am Sat 10 May 08
i think its was brilliant that prince william visited mill hill to see school children playing football he wasnt here to judge the state of the area at least he came unlike other top famous people that shy away from blackburn as a whole the people of mill hill were not made aware of the time of his visit and to be honest would any of u lot stand there all day waiting to catch a glimpse.. i was fortunate enough to see prince william and yes alot of you condemn him for being born into royalty with all his rich surroundings but he did not choose this life it was thrown upon him its his duty... did he choose to be thrown into the public life and have all his private life and his mothers and brothers displayed all over the newspapers everyday NO he didnt he just has to deal with it the best he knows without any guidance from his mother who in turn was a wonderful person stop moaning about prince william visiting blackburn and think to yourselves... when was the last time u did anything for your community to help bring up the status... i thought not
i think its was brilliant that prince william visited mill hill to see school children playing football he wasnt here to judge the state of the area at least he came unlike other top famous people that shy away from blackburn as a whole the people of mill hill were not made aware of the time of his visit and to be honest would any of u lot stand there all day waiting to catch a glimpse.. i was fortunate enough to see prince william and yes alot of you condemn him for being born into royalty with all his rich surroundings but he did not choose this life it was thrown upon him its his duty... did he choose to be thrown into the public life and have all his private life and his mothers and brothers displayed all over the newspapers everyday NO he didnt he just has to deal with it the best he knows without any guidance from his mother who in turn was a wonderful person stop moaning about prince william visiting blackburn and think to yourselves... when was the last time u did anything for your community to help bring up the status... i thought not
Posted by: Mr Angry, blackburn on 8:38am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Royalist[/bold] wrote:
[quote]quote[/quote] Tens of People pushed their way to the front of the school entrance[quote]quote[/quote] Only the Telegraph reporters could come up with such a quote. A very poor turnout from the people of Blackburn and in particular Mill Hill to see the future King of the Country. Shame on you all, could have done better.[/quote] Err didn't see you in the crowd royalist.. Shame on you!
Royalist wrote:
quote
Tens of People pushed their way to the front of the school entrancequote
Only the Telegraph reporters could come up with such a quote. A very poor turnout from the people of Blackburn and in particular Mill Hill to see the future King of the Country. Shame on you all, could have done better.
Err didn't see you in the crowd royalist.. Shame on you!
Posted by: marie x, mill hill on 1:01pm Sat 10 May 08
i think it was really nice ov him 2 **** 2 st aidans skool, it made my daughters day to be so close 2 the prince an talk 2 him an shake his hand she sed shel never wash that hand again xx
i think it was really nice ov him 2 **** 2 st aidans skool, it made my daughters day to be so close 2 the prince an talk 2 him an shake his hand she sed shel never wash that hand again xx
Posted by: me, here on 3:07pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]Burnley Taxpayer[/bold] wrote:
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.[/quote] didnt read about you serving your country in Iraq.. dingle.
Burnley Taxpayer wrote:
Why is marlene so proud of our two Princes? They live the life of Riley, subsidised by us poor working mugs. When did they last worry about paying a bill or if they could afford any sort of holiday. Save your pride for the people who really deserve it.
didnt read about you serving your country in Iraq.. dingle.
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