Description
Object description
Short documentary film commemorating the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to AWRE Aldermaston on 29 June 1979.
Content description
The Royal motorcade arrives at the entrance to AWRE Aldermaston to be greeted by local people cheering and waving flags. The Queen is welcomed to Aldermaston by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Colonel Sir Gordon Palmer. Also present are Francis Pym, Secretary of State for Defence, and Lord William Penney, leading atomic scientist, as well as Sir William Cook. Several senior American colleagues are present, and the commentary stresses Anglo American relations in the field of nuclear defence. After a tour of one of the research laboratories, during which the Queen wears a white laboratory coat and sees some of the working techniques used in glove boxes, AWRE Director David Cartwell gives a speech. The Queen subsequently gives a speech praising the importance of the work carried out at the establishment, saying "Whatever one may think about nuclear weapons, and thinking human beings pray they will never be used, their awesome destructive power has preserved the world from major war for the past thirty five years". Her Majesty then initiates the firing sequence of the research laser system, which officially opens the new High Power Laser Facility (known as HELEN). After unveiling a plaque, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are presented with gifts (a skeletal clock and an electronic calculator) to commemorate their visit. The Royal party greets crowds outside. After lunch they tour the HELEN, wearing protective clothing to keep traces of dust from the laser. The royal couple are shown the latest technology in some detail and are greeted by a large number of AWRE staff. The party then moves on to an exhibition featuring the many aspects of AWRE's work. On leaving the exhibition the Queen and Prince Philip meet representatives of staff associations and trade unions. The visit concludes with a garden party, complete with talent displays and entertainment, where the Queen is presented with a bunch of yellow orchids. Around three thousands guests have been invited. The Royal Standard, which has flown over Aldermaston for over five hours, is lowered, while entertainment for the crowds draws to a close.
Physical description
16mm