STRATFORDIANS have got every reason to be thinking of the Queen Mum with fondness on her 100th birthday tomorrow (Friday).

She charmed the pants off them when she named the town's new council offices Elizabeth House 15 years ago at the age of nearly 85.

Chairman of the district council at the time, Rear Admiral Rupert Wainwright, who has since died, was responsible for attracting one of the best-loved Royals to the town.

Former Stratford District Council secretary and solicitor, Trevor Cox, said: "He had Royal connections because of his naval days."

Mr Cox said the Queen Mum's visit was one of the most enjoyable days of his life.

He said: "I had the pleasure and great privilege of showing her around my department.

"She was absolutely marvellous and so interested in people.

"I was told not to speak until I was spoken to but she encouraged everyone to talk to her and put people totally at their ease.

"She walked into every office and I think spoke to every member of staff - it took about 25 minutes instead of the scheduled 10.

"She is astute too. I brought in some original watercolours from home to decorate the bare corridors.

"She didn't say a word herself but one of her ladies-in-waiting told me she admired them - I was very proud indeed. She is a remarkable lady and it is no wonder that she is thought of with such fondness by so many people in this country."

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, also made a lasting impression on former leader of the district council Bill McFarlane and his wife Patricia.

Mrs McFarlane said: "It was a wonderful day - the band was playing and the flags were flying and hundreds of people lined the streets.

"I presented her with a little book I compiled myself called Stratford on Avon in Old Picture Post Cards, and we had the privilege of lunching with her at the Birthplace Trust which was her next venue.

"Everywhere the Queen Mother went she made a point of waving and talking to people - she charmed everybody who she came into contact with."

The Queen Mum also visited Anne Hathaway's cottage at Shottery and Stratford Grammar School for Girls on April 19 1985.

Now a birthday card has been sent to the grand old lady - currently being dubbed as the first Queen of Hearts - from Stratford District Council.