The Duchess of Cornwall was busy making Easter Bonnets in Newbury on Thursday, as she visited Fair Close Centre, a facility that provides an area for senior citizens to socialise.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall reopened theFair Close Centre in Newbury to mark its 51st anniversary, where she toured the facilities, met volunteers and senior citizens that use the centre. Picture by ROTA / i-Images
Camilla was greeted by the centre’s patron, Harry Henderson, and his sister Josie Reed, who is the chairwoman of the centre. The Duchess was then given a tour of the facilities, before meeting the senior citizens who make use of the centre, and its staff.
After a small reception, Camilla, 70, unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit and the 51st anniversary of the centre, which was opened by The Queen Mother in 1967. A photo of the Royal at the original opening was placed alongside the visitor book, which was viewed by the future Queen.
The Fair Close Centre, which is run by Age Concern Newbury & District, is designed to allow those over the age of 60 a place to to relax and socialise. The centre also provides a wide range of entertainment including gentle exercise classes, knitting and bingo.
The centre was originally opened in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Today The Duchess reopened the refurbished premises and helped celebrate 50 years of the centre supporting older people. pic.twitter.com/lWwo8XKJEc
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) March 22, 2018
Camilla joined in with a card game over tea, and met the staff of the hair salon, greeting customers who were having their hair done. She then helped make Easter bonnets during a workshop.
On Wednesday, The Duchess of Cornwall celebrated 25 years of the National Literacy Trust with authors such as Jilly Cooper, Prue Leith and Tom and Giovanna Fletcher.
As the Duchess entered the on-site shop, enthusiastic trader Mary Childs, couldn’t resist the opportunity to try and sell her a coat for her husband, The Prince of Wales.
Head Cook Sue Hayes baked the royal visitor a Victoria sponge cake, which Camilla looked very happy about.
the duchess of cornwall played cards on her visit to fair close centre (clarence house(
Ann Record of West Berkshire Council said of the centre: “I work within adult social care. I have been able to use the services of the Fair Close Centre for a large number of people for social support. I have found the centre to be a wonderful way for people to feel part of the community.
“The hot meal service has ensure people continue to have a good well balanced diet Monday to Friday. I know the knit and natter is popular and has a real community feel.”
This is not the only elderly cause that Camilla supports: she is patron of The Silver Line, a charity chatline that helps lonely older people, the National Osteoporosis Society – a bone density issue prevalent in older people – and more recently was spotted at an elderly ballet class, helping to keep senior citizens fit.
