Umbrellas, top hats and maces are all out and proud at the royal opening of new council chambers in Twickenham.

The Duke of York – the future George VI – is the centre of attention at York House, recently purchased by Twickenham Urban District Council to act as new council offices. Flags and umbrellas stand aloft as the Duke meets the mayor and then digs a small hole – precisely why, we don't discover- before the numerous dignitaries pose for an official picture, the mayor doubtless hoping the chap sitting behind him doesn't drop the mace on his head.