Saturday, 10 September 2022

A ‘towering presence’, but also ‘relaxed’

    By Fiona Ellis
    1. News
    2. Dunedin

    The Queen and then mayor of Dunedin Sukhi Turner are followed by Dunedin city councillor Maurice...
    The Queen and then mayor of Dunedin Sukhi Turner are followed by Dunedin city councillor Maurice Prendergast, escorting Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other officials down the Dunedin’s Municipal Chambers steps in the Octagon on November 6, 1995. Photo: staff photographer
    Sukhi Turner had reason enough to be nervous at her first official engagement as Dunedin’s new mayor in November 1995 — then the most famous woman in the world arrived.

    However, Despite the Queen’s fame, she was far from intimidating, Dame Sukhi recalled yesterday.

    The former mayor is among those remembering their encounters with New Zealand’s longest reigning monarch.

    After opening the multi-purpose sports venue the Edgar Centre, the Queen attended a luncheon with the mayor and other Dunedin notables.

    Her grandson’s rugby and the importance of exercise for young people were among the topics she discussed.

    "She was a very gracious person.

    "I think she’s learned over the years how to put people at their ease."

    It was her first time meeting the Queen.

    However, her husband, Glenn Turner, spent part of the couple’s wedding day with the royal as part of a New Zealand cricket team engagement in London in 1973 — a fact she reminded Her Majesty of.

    "We had a bit of a laugh about that."

    Angelina Martelli, of Dunedin, signs the condolences book at the Dunedin Public Library yesterday...
    Angelina Martelli, of Dunedin, signs the condolences book at the Dunedin Public Library yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
    St Paul’s Cathedral dean the Very Rev Dr Tony Curtis first met the Queen as a high school pupil in York.

    As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, she had been constantly in the prayers of Anglican worshippers. Her life had been a "shining example", he said.

    "Her Majesty the Queen was a towering presence within the Anglican Church worldwide, and of course throughout the Commonwealth."

    People were able to leave flowers on the cathedral steps in memory of the Queen, and a choral evensong in her commemoration would be held at 6pm tomorrow.

    Victoria League Otago branch president the Rev David Crooke said the Queen had been a focus for warmth and unity across the Commonwealth.

    He recalled how the streets had been full of people as the Queen visited Dunedin on January 25, 1954.

    It had also been his 8th birthday, making for a memorable celebration.

    St Paul’s Cathedral dean the Very Rev Dr Tony Curtis said the Queen had been a towering presence...
    St Paul’s Cathedral dean the Very Rev Dr Tony Curtis said the Queen had been a towering presence within the Anglican Church. Photo: Peter McIntosh
    During another visit to the city in 1970, the royals paid a visit to the University of Otago.

    Former surveying lecturer Allan Blaikie, his wife and 4-year-old son were among those who gathered outside to welcome her.

    The "avid" royalist said it was surprising how vivid the memories were more than 50 years later.

    "We had a good view of the Royal Family as they arrived.

    "We were right at the car door when they stepped out."

    Allied Press board chairman Sir Julian Smith spoke to the Queen during her Dunedin visit in 1995, his second meeting with her.

    He also remembered her as "very relaxed" and able to make others feel at ease.

    She left a legacy of dedication and service, he said.

    "Her visits to Dunedin and the regions will long be remembered and cherished by our citizens."

    Condolence books have been placed by the Dunedin City Council at the Dunedin City Library and the Civic Centre reception for those wishing to sign.

    fiona.ellis@odt.co.nz

     

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