THE coronation may be just around the corner but here are some memories of the day Southend bid a right royal welcome to another senior royal- Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

It was October 31 (Halloween) 1967, but there was nothing chilling about the royal visit to open the new Civic Centre towerblock – except perhaps the weather.

Echo: The Queen Mother inspects the plaque she has just unveiledThe Queen Mother inspects the plaque she has just unveiled (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Despite the rain wellwishers spent hours waiting to see the royalDespite the rain wellwishers spent hours waiting to see the royal (Image: Newsquest)

Crowds of Union Flag-waving revellers five or six deep lined the streets as Her Majesty’s motorcade made its way through the town, pacing through London Road and Hamlet Court Road before proceeding to the mayor’s official residence, Porters, where the Queen Mother enjoyed a lavish lunch.

Echo: The Queen Mother’s motorcade made its way through the then town as crowds lined the streetsThe Queen Mother’s motorcade made its way through the then town as crowds lined the streets (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Hoovering - last minute touches to the red carpet are made as everyone awaits the Queen Mum’s arrival to the Civic CentreHoovering - last minute touches to the red carpet are made as everyone awaits the Queen Mum’s arrival to the Civic Centre (Image: Newsquest)

Afterwards she was escorted to the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue where she met dignitaries including the Mayor of Southend, Alderman Tom Ewart James and Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Colonel Sir John Ruggles Brise.

Echo: Patriotic pooch - even dogs such as this one got into the spirit of the visitPatriotic pooch - even dogs such as this one got into the spirit of the visit (Image: Newsquest)

Her Majesty unveiled a memorial plaque inside the centre and in a speech she recalled fond memories of previous visits to Southend.

She also paid tribute to the work of local government.

Echo: Birds eye view - staff at the Odeon in Southend scrambled up high to get a glimpse of Her MajestyBirds eye view - staff at the Odeon in Southend scrambled up high to get a glimpse of Her Majesty (Image: Newsquest)

As she exited the centre the heavens began to open, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the waiting crowds, many who were able to greet the royal who at this time was aged 67 and had been a widow for 15 years.

The Queen Mother died in 2002 aged 101.

Echo: Wheely excited - three tots are eager to catch a glimpse of the royal as she enters SouthendWheely excited - three tots are eager to catch a glimpse of the royal as she enters Southend (Image: Newsquest)