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Flags flying in Alton for two long-standing residents

Friday 5th of March 2010

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Two residents have presented the town with a ‘memorable' gift to help fly the flag for Alton.

Two new flagpoles now grace the Assembly Rooms Square, on Crown Hill, thanks to long-time residents Sue and Ron Thorne, who both celebrated their 80^th birthdays last year.

They had asked well-wishers to their birthday party to make a donation for ‘something memorable' for the town.

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They considered donating a seat or tree to the town, but liked the idea of the flagpoles, especially as they first met near the spot the flag poles now occupy.

They first met at the then Inwood Cottage Hospital, to the rear of the square, in 1944, when Sue was a young nurse and Ron a young undertaker with the family firm, Kemp & Stevens Funeral Directors.

Sue joined her husband in his trade, and since then together they have clocked up over 120 years of combined service to the community.

Ron added: "We were overwhelmed by the kind response from friends and colleagues at the time of our birthdays and are very proud to give these flagpoles in our names to the town of Alton, in which, between us, we have lived for over 145 years.

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the gift and look forward to seeing the flag poles in use at every opportunity and very much hope they will remain in this spot long after we are no more!"

In publicly thanking Ron and Sue, Councillor Allan Chick said: "I am delighted to accept this wonderful gift from Mr and Mrs Thorne on behalf of the town. The story of how they met nearby is very charming and these two extra flagpoles will greatly enhance the area and reinforce its civic importance. They will be put to good use on Remembrance Day and other occasions, allowing us to fly other flags in addition to the Union Flag on the existing flag pole."