Pictures: Duke's delight over Shropshire's treasures
We were surrounded by the artefacts of history at the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was clearly fascinated by it all.
But how his eyes lit up when we went through a door into Brick City and discovered some of the world's most iconic buildings and landmarks . . . in Lego.
The worldwide story began in 1932 in a Danish carpentry workshop, continues into the 21st century as a popular and profitable line of construction toys and the Duke of Gloucester has a passion for it.
What's more, he confesses that he buys Lego for his grandchildren – then makes sure he helps them put it together.
But it was London's St Pancras station which particularly caught his attention with its hundreds of pieces. It is part of an exhibition which continues until October 11.
Shrewsbury's Music Hall, one of our most treasured buildings, officially began its new life as a museum and art gallery yesterday with the Duke doing the honours by unveiling the plaque.
Civic guests, including High Sheriff David Stacey and those who had been involved in the massive transformation which many thought would never be completed, proudly showed off the major conversion to the duke – whose architect background was obvious to all.
And from the moment the world's tallest town crier, Martin Wood welcomed the duke, escorted by Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, in his time honoured way, the feel-good factor felt, well, very good indeed.
While unveiling the official plaque, the royal visitor said: "You scraped together the resources and you have filled it with so many of the objects of the town you are proud of. This will also encourage the next generation so I congratulate all of you have played a part in it."
The duke also visited the Severn Valley Railway to mark its 50th anniversary, arriving by helicopter at Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth, where he was greeted by bunting and waving children.
He toured the locomotive works and boiler shops, rounding off his trip with a return train journey to Hampton Loade.
Founding SVR members Keith Beddow and Christopher George were two of the first to meet the duke.
Mr Beddows, 67, who moved from Kidderminster to Telford, worked as an engineer before helping to resurrect the SVR after its closure in 1963.
Two years later a meeting was held in a meeting room attached to the Cooper's Arms pub in Kidderminster, which was attended by more than 50 people, to discuss rebuilding the line.
Mr Beddows said: "The track was still there along the Severn Valley along with the stations, which were a bit damaged. We decided to walk the length of the track one day to see it all and British Rail was there digging it up.
"We made a very quick phone call and they agreed to stop until we had talked to them, despite us having no money at the time. Had we not walked the track that day it could all have gone."
Mr George, 71, from Stourbridge, was a police officer in Kidderminster when he saw an advert about reopening the line.
"We all had to pay one guinea to join the Severn Valley Railway Society at the time and I wanted to be one of the first," he said.
"The railway line reached its 50th anniversary this year and it's great to get such recognition from the duke. It's been a very special day."
