The original arrangement for the official opening
of the new Waitrose in Warminster
was that it should take place at 7.00
in the morning, on Saturday 29th March 2012,
coinciding with the time when the store would open
its doors for its first day of trading with the public.
Children from the Avenue School and New Close School
were to officially cut the ribbon, accompanied
by Pip Ridout, the Mayor Of Warminster.
But the timing of the official opening was changed
when it was considered that 7.00 a.m.
would be a tad too early for the children.
So the store opened its doors for trading at 7.00 a.m.,
as originally arranged, but the official opening time
was rearranged for 9.00 a.m. the same day.
Danny Howell, who attended and took photographs of
the 7.00 a.m. opening (see earlier posts on this website)
returned to the store before 9.00 a.m. to capture with his
camera the official opening by the children and the Mayor.
And a joyous occasion it was too!
Headteacher of the Avenue School, Warminster,
arriving with some of the young students.
More Avenue School pupils.
Going into the new Waitrose store.
There was a definite air of excitement.
Mrs. Karin Ancell, Headteacher of New Close School,
arriving with some of the pupils.
New Close School pupils.
Pip Ridout, the Mayor of Warminster
(on the right) arrives.
Pip Ridout was beaming with delight.
Shirley Moriarty snaps a photograph
(of her granddaughter).
“She’s so excited about what’s happening today,”
said Shirley.
Children start assembling inside the new store.
Some of the parents and grandparents
came along too.
The children enjoyed meeting the Mayor of Warminster.
Plenty of photo opportunities.
A thumb’s-up!
Rob Cadwell (left), Press Officer for Corporate
and Branches, Waitrose; and Tom North,
Assistant Manager, Waitrose, Warminster.
The check-outs.
Advertising hoarding on the back of a vehicle.
The driver said he had an extensive route
to take through the villages around Warminster,
spreading the word that the new Waitrose
is now open for business in the town.
The store is wheelchair friendly.
Peter Rice takes a photo.
Waitrose Warminster Store Manager Mark Pomeroy
greeted the teachers and schoolchildren.
Pip Ridout, the Mayor of Warminster (left)
enjoys a humorous moment
with Mrs. Karin Ancell,
Headteacher of New Close School.
Waiting for the official opening.
The children had lots of questions for the
Store Manager Mark Pomeroy.
Watching the children exiting the store
for the cutting of the ribbon outside.
Going outside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Listening to instructions about cutting the ribbon.
Talk amongst yourselves while we wait.
Apparently, the official photographer has
gone off to get another memory-stick . . . .
. . . . but he will be back in a moment.
While we’re waiting, parents and grandparents
and others can take some photographs
of us before the main event.
Store Manager Mark Pomeroy (on the left)
waits patiently too.
Ready to take photographs.
We’re taking photographs of the children
while they wait.
Time to take some more photographs.
It won’t be long now.
Watching from the side.
Press Officer Rob Cadwell,
Assistant Manager Tom North, and
Store Manager Mark Pomeroy, enjoying the occasion.
Time to chat in between taking photographs.
Let’s get the ribbon up ready.
Holding on to one end of the ribbon.
Holding on to the other end of the ribbon.
This is fun.
Got to keep the ribbon stretched tight.
Assistant Manager Tom North has the scissors
in his hands, ready to hand them over to the
children who will cut the ribbon.
One boy from the Avenue, and one boy from
New Close, have the scissors at the ready.
We’ve got to hold the scissors against the ribbon,
while parents, grandparents,
and the press take some photos.
Don’t cut the ribbon yet, people are still taking photos.
The excitement is brewing.
All smiles.
Now for the official photographer to capture the moment.
This is our big moment.
Everyone look at me!
