Duke of Gloucester tours and praises Watford charities
The Duke of Gloucester toured parts of Watford to thank various charity organisations for their work over the pandemic.
Before unveiling a plaque and opening up the emergency assessment unit at Watford General Hospital, Prince Richard greeted notable Watford organisations on Wednesday (June 23) in his first face-to-face visit since lockdown.
The visit began at One Vision in Stanborough Park, a community charity network, where Hertfordshire Lord Lieutenant Robert Voss greeted the duke.
From there he met many representatives from Watford, Including MP Dean Russell, before introducing himself to the West Hertfordshire Charity Trust.
During his time there, he spent much of it thanking the various organisations for their support to Watford over the pandemic.
Electric Umbrella, a Watford based charity that helps people with learning disabilities through music, then performed for the visitor before Prince Richard joined in himself.
The Watford Social Centre for the Blind were then visited to celebrate 70 years of providing support to the visually impaired.
Jenny Marsh, chairman of the trustees and lead volunteer introduced him to members and volunteers who were taking part in various activities from darts to knitting before enjoying a light lunch.
A plaque was then unveiled to commemorate the dedicated service over the last 70 years.
Mrs Marsh said: “The last year has been especially difficult for those with a visual impairment and to be able to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to help celebrate our 70th Anniversary has been something we have all been able to look forward to. We were delighted that he was able to join in some of the activities, including a game of darts, before unveiling the plaque.”
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “HRH was very interested in all the many groups of people he met speaking to every individual-probably about 200 people.
“I am delighted that his first face-to-face engagement since lockdown was in Watford and I am extremely grateful to The Duke for taking such interest in the town and in Hertfordshire.”
Mayor Peter Taylor said: “Local volunteers and charities have done so much to support those in need during this difficult period. It was great to be able to come together like this and for His Royal Highness to hear about the brilliant work of One Vision and other groups.”
credit: courtesy of Joseph Reaidi, Watford Observer
The Duke at the Watford Blind Centre: