Sophie visits England Hockey & attends Carers' Lunch for Disability Initiative

Today, Sophie The Countess of Wessex as Patron of England Hockey visited Bisham Abbey, National Sports Centre in Marlow. It is the base of England Hockey. HRH's has been its Patron since January 2007, you can find my post on this patronage by clicking here.

At the centre, HRH met players from both the men’s and women’s teams including Great Britain's players preparing to head to the Rio Olympics this summer. During her visit Sophie wore pin with wording #EVERY ROAD to RIO.

via England Hockey Facebook feed - click on pic to be redirected and view full gallery of HRH's visit

The Countess was presented with a signed picture by the women’s squad from 2015 when HRH presented the team with their gold medal after the Euro Hockey Championships. My post is here. HRH also met the new chairman of England Hockey, Royston Hoggarth, who replaced Philip Kimberley after he announced he was stepping down last year following more than 12 years in the role.

Sophie then headed to the pitch where she took part in training session with men's team. HRH showed her hockey skills by shooting some goals. HRH managed to smash the ball into the net again and again. However things didn't go as great later on, as according to Express "one wayward shot hit a photographer on the foot and narrowly missed a couple more, including Jonathan Buckmaster of the Daily Express, who were standing behind the goal thinking they were safe." I wish I could see press' faces as the ball headed in their direction!

Sophie looked horrified but thankfully, the 'accident' was laughed off by the media, and everything ended well :) I'm sure no hard feelings! England Hockey Chief Executive Sally Munday said, “I would like to sincerely thank Her Royal Highness for visiting us today, she is a fantastic Patron for England Hockey... As always she was exceptionally charming and personable, and we are very fortunate to have her support.”

More on England Hockey website, click here. Coverage of HRH's visit to England Hockey: by Press Association here, by Daily Mail here, Express article by one of my fav reporters, Richard Palmer is here. Hello has a lovely coverage as well, here. One more article by Bucks Free Press is here.

Afterwards HRH as Patron of Disability Initiative, attended a private lunch for the Carers to recognise their extraordinary contributions to those they care for. The lunch took place at Resource Centre in Camberley, Surrey.

courtesy of Disability Initiative - HRH with DI's President

After DI: Every day informal Carers give of themselves and an unfathomable amount of energy and effort, both physical and emotional, to support and look after someone. DI recognises the dedication, selflessness and commitment of these remarkable people and with the help of a grant from Surrey Heath Borough Council, the 'Grass Roots Fund', set up the Carer's Group. The aim is to provide individuals with the opportunities to re-establish themselves, recognise their own aspirations, set goals, create visions and be energised. Once a month the group come together to share, laugh and learn, with guest speakers, practical activities and interesting events. Link.

Outfit & jewellery:

Burberry jacket, I like it very much even though it dates back to 2008 or so.

LK Bennett Carina Almond Toe Espadrille.

Changed to new, Asics Gel Cumulus 17 T5D8N-7007.

The Blue Super Stud by Heavenly Necklaces. HRH has them since 2011.

New bracelet, will try to ID it.

#EVERY ROAD to RIO pin.

Watch by Longines, I believe from "Le Grande Classic" collection. 

Later HRH added:
DI's badge
Links of London bracelet with charms: S letter, Jackie-O sunglasses (sold out), shoe charm (sold out) and lucky knickers (also sold out). It dates back to 2011.

Sophie visits England Hockey & attends Carers' Lunch for Disability Initiative 2016-04-28T10:52:00-07:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: sho fia