Princess Royal Visits Wychavon

Tuesday November 17th 10.00am
Sixways stadium, Worcester Rugby Club, Worcester

The day started for us at 10.00am, with Les our chauffeur, arriving to collect us in good time for the journey to Sixways.  On arrival coffee was served and the official party waited for 11.20am. Exactly on time, a helicopter carrying HRH and party came into view and landed on a nearby practice pitch. At 11.25am, having been collected by car from the helicopter, Princess Anne arrived at the stadium. Mr Michael Brinton, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, introduced her first to, Cllr John Cairns, Chairman of Worcestershire County Council and his consort Mary, then me, followed by Wendy. Others being formally introduced were WDC managing director Jack Hegarty and his wife Kathryn, The Bishop of Worcester, The Rt Revd Dr. John Inge, Paul West, West Mercia chief constable and Chairman of Worcester Warriors Mr Cecil Duckworth. The Princess then went inside the splendid new building and stand and met with players and senior staff. Moving upstairs to the main events room, the princess was introduced to many local and national charity organisations, before the main opening ceremony.

The new stand

HRH arrives on time, exactly at 11.25am

A memorable moment.

Princess Anne shares a joke with the chief constable

Introductions continue inside the building

The atmosphere is relaxed, as Princess Anne chats to charity fundraisers

Outside on the pitch, the youth teams play an exhibition match

Mr Cecil Duckworth, chairman Worcester Warriors welcomes The Princess Royal and thanks her for giving her time to come and open the stand

and HRH says a few words before performing the official curtain pull.

Finally, a rugby ball signed by all the team, is presented by team Captain Pat Sanderson to Princess Anne. The ball will be auctioned for charity at some date in the future

A very memorable and exciting day.