The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire has crowned Grayshott's village square after unveiling a new memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

It has taken a village to make this reigning tribute with Grayshott Pottery funding and donating it, resident and artist Phil Bates designing it, artisans from Lindford and Bordon making it, and Grayshott Parish Council first putting the commemorative idea forward.

Mr Bates chose stainless steel to symbolise the Queen's enduring strength and dedication as the UK’s longest serving monarch.

Accompanied by Grayshott Parish Council’s chairman, Cllr Sean Weir, and vice-chairman, Cllr Nigel Harrison, lord-lieutenant, Mr Nigel Atkinson also toured the village’s key achievements. First stop was Grayshott Pottery, which employs more than 60 local residents and is one of southern England’s last few remaining working potteries, supplying Gail’s, Wagamama, and celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver.

Next stop was the Community Orchard, led by Bob Greggs and his team of volunteers. Mr Atkinson, who has helped plant 10,000 trees for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, was impressed by the orchard's diverse fruit cultivation and its focus on wildlife conservation.

The highlight of the day was the memorial unveiling, where the Lord-Lieutenant was joined by two young artists from Grayshott Primary School. It has been more than two years since the late-Queen’s death and while thousands queued to pay their respects in London, a new tribute now stands at the entrance to Grayshott Village Square. 

The parish welcomes everyone to come see it and remember Queen Elizabeth II.