Mayor unveils Freedom of the City painting
Former Winchester mayor and WWII veteran Major Dougie Covill was joined by current mayor Sue Nelmes to unveil a symbolic painting he had commissioned for the city.
The oil painting celebrates the Freedom of the City Award that was given to the King's Royal Hussars - one of only six military units to receive the honour - in April 2006.
At the unveiling ceremony, which took place at the Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon, Major Covill, who served in the Second World War with the 10th Hussars, made a poignant speech.
He said: "Long into the future, this painting will act as a reminder of a wonderful day. would like to thank the many people at Winchester City Council who made it such a special, unforgettable day."
"I hope that you will enjoy it and accept it with as much willingness as I give it too you today."
Mayor Sue Nelmes added: "I'm absolutely delighted to be able to be here with you to unveil this beautiful picture."
Also there to mark the occasion were Leader of Winchester City Council George Beckett, and Chief Executive Simon Eden. After the ceremony, the mayor hosted a reception at Abbey House.
Notes
- The King's Royal Hussars were granted the Freedom of the City of Winchester on Wednesday 12 April 2006, in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.
- After the presentation, the Regiment exercised their new right to march through the City, watched by hundreds of people.
- Besides Iraq, over the last few years the Regiment has been on operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.
History
- The 10th Royal Hussars Home Headquarters first opened in the City in 1963 and, following amalgamation with the 11th Hussars in 1969, the Regiment established itself at Peninsula Barracks, also opening a museum there in 1980.
- In 1992, there was a further amalgamation with the 14th/20th King's Hussars and the new Regiment continues to have a Home Headquarters at Peninsula Barracks. - - Recruits receive their initial training at the Army Training Regiment in Sir John Moore Barracks, on the outskirts of the City.