Romsey residents to contribute art ideas for Queen Elizabeth memorial

Residents of Romsey have been asked to share their ideas and memories of Queen Elizabeth II at an event.

Test Valley Borough Council has commissioned artist Amy Goodman to create a pair of statues of the Queen for Romsey and Andover.

Ms Goodman will be present at the Mayor of Romsey's picnic in the afternoon at Memorial Park on July 7.

The Romsey statue is expected to be made of bronze, depicting the younger Queen Elizabeth II dressed in her Coronation Regalia.

It will include artwork and memories provided by local residents.

The statue will also represent the Queen's tie with Broadlands, where she spent her honeymoon, as well as her roles as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Ms Goodman said: "It’s important to highlight the Queen’s connections to Romsey, the Church of England, and key events from her seventy-year reign.

"For the Andover statue, I drew inspiration from locals to depict her military links as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, with Andover Land Forces HQ nearby. I included poppies, poignant quotes, symbolic foliage and plants, and her love of animals. Commemoration is key, and a visit to the town in 1993.

"I hope the Romsey Queen project will create another visual story, be inclusive, and include local landmarks. I also encourage people to think outside the box."

More information is available on the Council website.