HRH The Princess Royal Opens the National Brewery Centre, Burton

Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, UK – On Tuesday 21st September 2010, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, officially opened the new National Brewery Centre in Burton upon Trent - the town that is synonymous with the British brewing industry. The Centre houses ‘The Brewing Experience’, a visitor attraction which features the history and art of brewing. The exhibition celebrates the UK’s brewing heritage and the industry’s far-reaching influence on beer making techniques throughout the world. After being escorted onto the site by a dray and Shire horse, driven by Andrew Whetton, the Centre’s head horseman, Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the Town by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley, accompanied by Lady Hawley, whom then presented a number of dignitaries from throughout the county of Staffordshire. The Centre’s chairman, Mike Stickland and general manager, Kim Clarke, led Her Royal Highness on a tour of the new red carpet route that guides visitors around the ‘Brewing Experience’, showcasing the hundreds of exhibits and artefacts. The visit commenced with the new holographic-style ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ presentation, telling the story of brewing, from its ancient origins right up to the present day. Andrew Whetton, head horseman, introduced Her Royal Highness to the Centre’s Shire horses and gave her a tour of the dray shed, tack room and stables, all of which proved to be of great interest to the Princess. Kim Clarke, the Centre’s general manager, said: “As we all know, Her Royal Highness has been long-associated with horses and you could tell by the questions that she asked just how interested the Princess really was in these magnificent creatures.” “Up until the early 1960s, they will have been a common sight in towns and cities throughout the country delivering beer to pubs from the breweries such as those in Burton.” The transport theme continued with a visit to the Robey Steam engine and the historic vehicle collection, where the Princess met with the team of dedicated volunteers that keep everything maintained throughout the year. A pair of coopers from local brewer, Marston’s, demonstrated their skills in making the traditional wooden casks used for the beer before the advent of the modern-day metal alternative. A visit to the National Brewery Centre is not complete without sampling real ales in the authentic Edwardian bar, and as such, Her Royal Highness was introduced to master brewer, Steve Wellington and Master Brewster, Jo White, both from the William Worthington Brewery located at the site. Steve offered the Princess a small sample of the ale that was brewed for her back in 1978 when she officially opened, what was at the time, the Bass Museum. Steve Wellington said: “Her Royal Highness respectfully declined the 32-year-old ale. She did confess to not really liking beer and suggested that her father would be far more interested in trying some!” Next on the tour was a specially-laid-on performance by a life-size Punch and Judy, played out to an audience of children from the Holy Trinity School, Burton, who were dressed in authentic period costume. The story, quite naturally, had a beer theme and had been written by the Centre’s own team of character performers. European Barrel Rolling Champions, former Burton College Principle, Keith Norris, accompanied by his wife Christine, showed off their speed and immaculate control of a wooden barrel around the courtyard, much to the Princess’s fascination. After a short break for refreshments and the chance to view a private gallery detailing photographs from previous Royal visits, Her Royal Highness met with the Centre’s staff in the Centre’s Brewery Tap restaurant, where Mike Stickland, chairman, invited the Princess to unveil a brass plaque commemorating her visit and the official opening. Paula White, the Centre’s education manager, who wrote to Buckingham Palace inviting the Princess, thanked Her Royal Highness for visiting and presented her with a posy of flowers, asking her to sign the visitors’ book to record the prestigious occasion. In front of a gathered audience of invited guests, including dignitaries, business leaders, the Centre’s staff, volunteers and the media, a clearly pleased Princess, drew her visit to a close by making a short speech, wishing the Centre every success for the future, before departing to travel on to her next engagement. Speaking after the event, Mike Stickland, chairman of the National Brewery Centre, commented: “It was an absolute honour to be able to welcome Her Royal Highness to the National Brewery Centre and for her to officially open the new Brewing Experience.“ “It was rather fitting that the Princess carried out this role, as she opened our first incarnation, The Bass Museum, on its inception in 1978. “I would like to not only thank Her Royal Highness for giving up her valuable time to be with us today, but also to recognise all of the effort that everyone has put into making this day so special. It really does mean a lot to us.” Leading beer writer and historian, Pete Brown, whose latest book, Hops and Glory, retraces the route of Burton’s famous India Pale Ale (IPA) from Burton to Calcutta, said, “Burton is world famous as the home of brewing. Nowhere, except perhaps the city of Plzen for lager lovers, is as significant to the history and development of beer. Over recent years Burton’s amazing brewing heritage has been allowed to slip into decline, so I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the reopening of the NBC is of global importance to the beer community. The fact that the Centre received a Royal visit sends an important message about the revival of Burton’s brewing story.” The Centre is open to the public all year round and further details can be found by visiting the website: http://www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk ENDS Pictures -------- Please see the foot of this message for links to a selection of photographs. Contact Tim Ward for further images. Thank You.

Tags: