The Princess Royal visits Shropshire

The Princess Royal had a busy day when she visited the county last week.  Her first stop was a visit to the Cavalier Centre just outside Much Wenlock where the Lord-Lieutenant welcomed Her Royal Highness, who is patron of the Riding for the Disabled Association.  Led by its team of over 200 volunteers, the Cavalier Centre is a state of the art equestrian facility supporting riding opportunities for the disabled.  Princess Anne’s tour of the centre included the new learning barn and sensory garden and hearing first-hand about the support programmes on offer.  

An important presentation ceremony had been arranged to coincide with the visit, allowing the Princess to present eight Shropshire voluntary groups with the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Receiving the award were the Cavalier Centre itself, Ludlow Cancer Support Group, Clun Valley Good Neighbours, Shropshire Child Contact Centres, South Shropshire Engineering Ambassadors, Telford Crisis Support, Telford & Wrekin Home-Start and Church Aston & Chetwynd Village Hall.  

The Princess Royal spent time chatting with each group before presenting an engraved crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature.  She listened with interest as the volunteers described the role they play in the communities they serve and how their dedication impacts and improves the lives of others.    Having unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit to the Cavalier Centre,  the Princess addressed everyone present, congratulating them on their success and saying how much she enjoyed meeting so many diverse organisations and all the amazing volunteers who give their time so generously.  She emphasized the importance of treating each person who needs help as an individual, without a label; this, the Princess suggested,  gave them the most dignity and respect.  She added that by gathering  the eight award wining groups together, they were able to reflect on each other’s successes which, it was hoped, would lead to useful interactions.

Everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful and memorable celebration.  A morning shared with other award winning groups, large and small,  provided the volunteers with the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange experiences.   Each felt it was an honour to have received the award directly from the Princess and appreciated, with pride, the acknowledgment they had received for the work that they do. 

The Princess then travelled to Ellesmere  and at the invitation of Save the Children Fund visited Eglantyne and Dorothy Jebb’s birthplace nearby where she much enjoyed meeting Eglantyne,s descendants as well as the long standing and loyal volunteers from the local Save the Children fund branch.  She saw many original documents relating to Eglantyne’s life as a pioneering supporter of children in times of war and strife.  Sadly this support is needed as much today as it was 100 years ago. 

 The Princess then came to the Mere to visit the Jebb Memorial Garden where she met the artists of three sculptures, many volunteers of the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, and listened to a childrens choir from local primary schools. The Princess has been  a most supportive and loyal Patron of STC Fund for over 50 years.   Before leaving, she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit.  A wonderful afternoon for Ellesmere, local children and for Save the Children charity.  

Photo Credit

Cavalier Centre – Pete Johnson Photography

Ellesmere, Save the Children – John Shone

Ellesmere,  The Jebb Garden – Ian Andrew

National KAVS contact details 

To receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a tremendous achievement,  It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. The Award seeks to recognise groups that are volunteer driven, making an outstanding impact in their local community, and when viewed across the UK, exceptional at a national level.  For further information about how to nominate a voluntary group please visit https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/make-a-nomination/about-nominating/