Princess Anne to unveil Northumberland projects

Mar 1 2010 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

THE Princess Royal will visit Northumberland to unveil three projects in the county, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Princess Anne is already due in the region next month to open the new Haymarket Metro Station, in Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

Now it has been announced she will follow that visit with a trip to Northumberland on April 16. As patron for the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Princess will open the refurbished Wansbeck Citizens Advice Bureau, on Station Road, in Ashington, during her tour of the area.

In her role as President of Riding for the Disabled Association the princess will also open The Pegasus Centre, in Tranwell, Morpeth.

The princess is also scheduled to open an Extra Care Scheme at The Manors, in West Wylam, Prudhoe. The group offers accommodation for over 55s.

Just last week the Pegasus Centre, which caters for disabled and immobile riders, welcomed 92-year-old cavalry veteran George Spowart as he fulfilled his dream of climbing back on to a horse again. Centre manager Wilma Lister said: It will be amazing to have her highness officially open the facility.

She does so much for the world of riding and disabled riders.

We are very much looking forward to having her here. A long time ago when I was show jumping, I actually competed against her. I remember she had a wonderful sense of humour.

She really can communicate with everybody at every level. It will be an honour to have her here.

A spokesman for the Citizens Advice Bureau said: HRH The Princess Royal first became a patron of Citizens Advice in 1990 and since that date has found the time to visit between 10 and 15 bureau nearly every year.

The Princess is an active and very knowledgeable patron, who keeps up-to-date with developments in the service and is interested in all aspects of our work, from face-to-face advice to social policy.

Her support for the work of the CAB service is greatly appreciated and we are delighted she is able to join us at the refurbished Wansbeck CAB in Ashington on 16 April.

Before the visit Princess Anne will come to Tyne and Wear on March 29, when she will open new care facilities at Worcester Green Community Centre, in Gateshead town centre, and the new Metro station.

Ahead of that visit a spokesman for the Lieutenancy of Tyne and Wear, who represent the Royal Family, in the area, said: It has been announced the Princess Royal will be visiting the Tyne and Wear region.

Im sure it will be a wonderful occasion and she will receive a warm reception from the region.

A long time ago when I was show jumping, I actually competed against her