IT IS a familiar landmark to millions of people – and this week an iconic Basingstoke building reached a milestone anniversary.

On November 19, 1973, there was a buzz of excitement in the town when a very special royal visitor officially opened Fanum House, the AA’s headquarters in Basing View.

During a rare visit to Basingstoke, The Queen unveiled a commemorative inscription at the opening ceremony of the new office building, and planted a tree near the main entrance.

Jan Archer, AA finance administrator, was one of those lucky enough to witness the momentous occasion 40 years ago.

She recalled: “The day before, we were told that The Queen would be visiting our office to see the membership records of other members of the Royal Family.

“We were also shown the correct way to curtsey and had to keep practising until we got it right, which was hilarious for some of us 16-year-olds.

“Everyone crowded round and watched her tour on big old-fashioned TVs hung from the ceiling.”

David Last, AA finance specialist, remembers seeing The Queen in the restaurant during her tour.

He said: “There was a buzz around the place, as it was a big occasion, not only for the AA but for the town too. It really helped to put Basingstoke on the map.”

Twenty-two colour televisions were installed especially for the occasion, with live footage filmed by six cameras.

Fanum House, an 18-storey tower block, reaches a height of 274ft and, with its distinctive net of aluminium fins, is the second-tallest building in Basingstoke.

It cost £4.5million to build and construction began in April 1970, with the first stage completed by March the following year. The building was ‘topped out’ by then AA president Duke of Norfolk in November 1972.

When it opened, it was said to be the tallest building between London and New York, before the IBM offices were built in the town.

Its name comes from the Latin word for ‘temple’ or ‘shrine’ and was chosen by Sir Stenson Cooke, AA secretary, to represent the AA as a temple to motoring freedom.

It was a milestone occasion for Basingstoke and the AA – which is still one of Basing-stoke’s biggest employers – when the company moved out of its famous headquarters in Leicester Square, London, to the growing town of Basingstoke, which was chosen because it offered plenty of room for expansion and had excellent transport links with the capital and south coast.

Since then, AA membership has grown from five million to around 15 million, and 936 employees work from Fanum House.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary on Tuesday, staff enjoyed a 1970s-themed day and wore fancy dress for the occasion, to raise funds for its charity of the year – Basingstoke-based cancer charity RadCan.

Employees also had afternoon tea and admired some of the AA’s 1970s patrol vehicles on display, which included Ford Escorts, Transit vans and a Triumph T100 Tiger. The company also buried a time capsule.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “When The Queen opened Fanum House on November 19, 1973, it was the start of a long association with Basingstoke that continues to this day.

“Fanum House has long been a local landmark and we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years in the town.”