HRH Duchess of Edinburgh visits Shropshire

Last week, on a gloriously sunny day, The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh to the County.

The day started with a visit to Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens, where she met the team of trustees and volunteers and toured the accessible angling facility, sensory gardens and workshop.  The centre provides a range of educational and recreational activities tailored specifically for individuals with physical and learning disabilities. 

Her Royal Highness then moved onto Crowsmill Craft Centre based near Bridgnorth, a day centre which supports children struggling with mainstream school as well as adults with disabilities or mental health challenges.  The centre was set up in 2013 by  Mark Chiswell and Dickon Pitt and now employs 11 staff and several volunteers, offering a wide range of activities and vocational qualifications including gardening, woodwork, embroidery, catering and blacksmithing.

The final visit of the day was to Willodene Farm, run by Mathew and Sarah Home.  A centre that is regarded as one of the premier providers of rehabilitation training in the UK.  They work closely with probation serves (both CRC and NPS), the Ministry of Justice, and Public Health to deliver a unique model of rehabilitation since 1988.  It combines therapeutic input, vocational and life-skills training and purposeful and meaningful use of time in a work focussed setting , this model has consistently delivered sector-leading outcomes that have underpinned lasting life-transformation in men and women who access their services.

Her Royal Highness toured the craft and well-being centre, classrooms, farm facilities and the women’s residential area.

The Lord-Lieutenant said “it was a wonderful opportunity for Her Royal Highness to see some of the fabulous work being done in Shropshire with amazing support of local communities and volunteers.”