400th Anniversary of Blandford Forum's Royal Charter

15 November 2005

The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Blandford Forum, welcomed HRH the Duke of Gloucester to a special celebration service to mark the 400th Anniversary of the town's Royal Charter at midday on Tuesday 15th November.

The service was planned by the Church and Town Council as a Celebration of the life of the town through the centuries, as it is today, and looking at the hopes and aspirations of young people as they shape the future of the town. The service included contributions from a number of people in the town, including members of the Blandford School and the two newly-formed Primary Schools in the town.

The Rector of Blandford Forum and Langton Long, Rev Tim Storey, said "This service marks one date in the long history of the town and gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past and present and commit ourselves to the future with those who will shape it."

Below are photos from the day as well as texts of what was said in the service.