THE Friends of Farnham Library extended a right royal welcome as part of Farnham Heritage weekend. The occasion was the unveiling of the new portrait of King Charles I in the newly renovated wood-panelled Culver Room.

The king stayed at Vernon House, as part of the library building was then known, on his way to his trial and execution in 1649.

The Friends were delighted to welcome Farnham mayor Pat Frost, who unveiled the portrait, and county councillor David Munro, both of whom have always been most supportive of the library. Several children dressed in period costume added to the occasion.

Sir Topham Hatt, otherwise known as the Fat Controller of Thomas the Tank engine fame held many young children spellbound in the children’s section as she told them stories from the well-loved books. Meanwhile, the Friends were serving free coffee and cakes to visitors as part of the celebration.

Claire East, chairman of the Friends’ group, said: “It was a successful morning. We must have served 120 cups of coffee and slices of cake and the refurbished Culver Room and the new royal portrait were much admired by all the visitors. The Friends’ next event will be Hallowe’en fun on Saturday, October 31. This is always a very popular event and tickets sell out quickly.”