CELEBRATIONS to mark a milestone in the history of Redhill and Reigate got off to a triumphant start with the unveiling of a new floral arch and exhibition centre.
The borough's mayor Lynne Hack cut the ribbon strewn across an ivy archway in Tunnel Road, Reigate, on Saturday before heading to Redhill to launch the Reigate and Redhill 150th Anniversary Centre in the Belfry.
Both ventures are part of celebrations to mark 150 years since Queen Victoria created the municipal borough of Reigate and Redhill by Royal Charter.
The anniversary centre, which has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be open between 10am and 4pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until the end of September.
John Capon, who is leading the team organising the anniversary celebrations, said: "After cutting the ribbon and declaring the centre formally open for business, the mayor thanked the shopping centre for facilitating the centre and all those who had worked so hard to make it happen.
"She then toured the exhibition of items and photographs from Reigate and Redhill's Victorian past on loan from Reigate Priory Museum, which has been closed since 2011. She was particularly impressed by the Victorian schoolroom recreated at the back of the centre."
