Today, The Countess of Wessex visited New College Worcester, a residential school and college for young people who are blind or partially sighted, to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Article & gallery of the visit can be found at The Worcester News, click here.
Prior to the visit, Mardy Smith - principal, said : "It is a great honour to have a royal visitor to the college, and it is particularly special as this year is our 150th anniversary. We hope to give the Countess of Wessex a flavour of what we do here with our young people, in terms of both their educational achievements and in their preparation for living independently when they move on from NCW. "A lot of what we do is about building confidence and self-esteem and I hope that this will be evident during the visit."
HRH enjoyed a performance from students and was taken on a tour of the college. She spent time in the independent living skills department where students learn essential life skills like baking - Sophie took part in this classes. The Countess also heard about the college's outreach work to support students who are visually impaired across the UK. Finally, HRH unveiled a commemorative plaque and even tried her hand at 'goal ball'.
The college dates back to 1866, when it was established as Worcester College for the “blind sons of gentlemen” at the Commandery. It later moved to Powick before coming to its present day site in 1902. In 1944 it became a grammar school for blind boys and, in 1987, merged with Chorleywood College to form the co-educational, comprehensive RNIB New College Worcester. The college is now an independent non-maintained special school.
Atfrerwards, The Countess of Wessex attended a Garden Party at Hagley Hall in Worcester to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Midlands Air Ambulance Service. Her Royal Highness accepted the invitation after hearing about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s vitally important work in the region over the last 25 years. The party was hosted by radio and TV broadcaster Michael Collie.
The Countess was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, LVO OBE. Then HRH was introduced to a number of invited guests who have made a significant difference to the charity over the last 25 years. Her Royal Highness has met former patients, volunteers, fundraisers, aircrew, charity staff, trustees and corporate partners, including Pertemps who kindly supported the Garden Party.
The Countess of Wessex unveiled a commemorative sundial (made by The British Ironwork Centre) to honour 25 years of service by the charity. Signifying the charity’s purpose – ‘Saving Lives by Saving Time’ – the sundial will be positioned in the grounds of Hagley Hall, with consent from Lord Cobham, the location where the charity officially launched on May 21, 1991.
courtesy of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity - click on pic to be redirected & read the press release of the event
During her speech at the event, the Countess attested to the work of the charity revealing that she had herself been airlifted by an air ambulance and understood first-hand the valuable work of the service. Back in December 2001, Sophie was airlifted to hospital after suffering an ectopic pregnancy. You will find out more in the Stourbridge News article, click here. Gallery of HRH's visit can be found here. More detailed info on the Gaden Party at the Midlands AA Charity website, click here.
courtesy of FMG PR - The UK's leading PR Advisers via Twitter feed
Brendan Connor, Chairman for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to our official anniversary. Our Garden Party was a celebration of all that effort and service, and in particular, a recognition of those who have made the last 25 years possible.”
courtesy of FMG PR - The UK's leading PR Advisers via Twitter feed
Midlands Air Ambulance is the charity responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances serving the communities of six Midlands counties: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. This constitutes the largest air ambulance operating region in the UK. Since 1991, the charity has responded to more than 43,000 missions averaging 2,000 per year, making it one of the longest established and busiest air ambulance organisations in the UK.
Midlands Air Ambulance receives no Government or National Lottery funding. Each Midlands Air Ambulance mission costs £2,500 and in excess of £7 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational, which is donated entirely by the public and local businesses.
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