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Royal Visit 1909 Throughout the following century Collett Park would be the venue of every public and community function in the town, the second being the Royal visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1909 who the following year would become George V and Queen Mary with celebrations again centred upon the park. Having toured their estates from Cornwall to Somerset, the Prince and Princess arrived for a three day visit to the area and on the third day it was Shepton’s turn. Again the streets and houses were a mass of bunting and flags, banners and garlands of flowers to welcome the Royal couple.
The Royal Party arrived via Waterloo Road and up Town Street and High Street to continuous cheering, and so to Collett Park. Here the royal couple met the Duchy tenants who were grouped awaiting their presentations.
 Members of ‘F’ Battalion Somerset Regiment lined the path and the Anglo Bavarian Fire Brigade acted as guard of honour and children from every parish in the union numbering over two thousand and sang ‘God Bless the Prince of Wales.’ Speeches were read and the Prince made a lengthy reply following which commemorative boxes of chocolates and flowers were presented to the children and guests.
At this point, the Prince of Wales inquired after Mr. Collett, and following introductions, thanked him for his generous gift to the town and turning to the chairman of the council handed him additional deeds of the park on behalf of Mr Collett.
His Royal Highness then planted an oak tree and was interested to learn that the oak was grown from an acorn set in the year of the Diamond Jubilee, and was the product of that tree. Since that time Shepton had twice been honoured with a visit from his eldest son as Prince of Wales who also planted an oak tree to commemorate his visit.
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