PREPARATIONS are under way as Fareham prepares to greet former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher next Saturday.
Hundreds of residents are expected to line the streets for the Iron Lady's guest of honour appearance as the town unveils a brand new commemorative arch, marking the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.
As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Baroness Thatcher, the British leader at the time of the conflict with Argentina, will join veterans and dignitaries for the event.
She is officially unveiling the Falklands Arch in what is thought to be the country's first commemorative event to mark 25 years since the 74-day fight for the South Atlantic islands.
The celebrations will include 170 personnel from Fareham's HMS Collingwood marching through West Street, before Baroness Thatcher and the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan unveil the memorial arch.
Fareham Borough Council has commissioned the £25,000 piece of ironwork, which will become a gateway for shoppers entering the town's pedestrian area from the Market Quay car park.
Thetown centre will be closed between 6.30am and 2pm on Saturday for its celebrations.
High Street, Quay Street and West Street will all be shut temporarily, while Market Quay car park will have reduced spaces and Ferneham Hall car park shut completely until 4pm.
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