Wellingborough's surprise royal visitor

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal took part in a behind-closed-doors tour of the Daylight Centre Fellowship, which offers support for local vulnerable adults. The visit was not publicised in advance.

Her Royal Highness made the stop-off, the first of a number of public engagements in the county, to celebrate the hard work of the volunteers, partners and staff of the independent local charity which was set up in December 1994 to meet a variety of its clients’ needs – everything from complex mental health issues to substance abuse to homelessness and isolation.

During her visit The Princess Royal learned more of the vital impact of the Fellowship’s services and congratulated the team whose dedication and commitment has ensured the Centre’s continuing vital existence on the town’s High Street for more than two decades.

She also took a short tour of the premises, including visiting the shop where clothing and household items are available at minimal cost to clients, a computer area where Centre visitors can access information about benefits, skills courses and job opportunities and its foodbank which, each weekday, supplies around 16 people from Wellingborough and the surrounding area at a time of crisis with food and other essential items.

She also chatted with a number of the volunteers, among them Colin, who has manned the Centre’s reception for many years and is involved in client support, and Renée, who assists in the kitchen and who presented The Princess Royal with a small posy.

Speaking at the end of the morning, which culminated in Her Royal Highness unveiling a plaque to mark her visit, Centre Manager Paul Adams explained why the event had been so vital. He said: “We are honoured that the Princess Royal was able to be with us today to learn more about the valuable role we play in supporting those who, for reasons often beyond their control, find themselves facing difficult challenges in life.

“Offering them a warm place to meet, a listening ear and practical help to get them back on their feet is potentially life-changing and I know that Her Royal Highness’s presence today has meant a great deal to those who so generously give of their time to make that difference.”

For more information about the work of the Daylight Centre Fellowship, visit their website or their Facebook page