Prince Edward visits Rugby home for learning-disabled

PRINCE Edward was in Rugby on Thursday (October 10) to visit at a home for learning-disabled adults.

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex came to Gateway Court, run by local charity New Directions, where he met local dignitaries including Mayor Ramesh Srivastava and MP Mark Pawsey, and jovially mingled with staff and residents.

He was shown around the complex by the charity's Chief Executive Doreen Woodward, meeting the home's 21 residents who told him how they have become more independent by having their own supported accommodation.

The Earl watched service users give a lively dance performance with a poppy theme, and was presented with a framed embroidery picture of a field of poppies that was made for him by a service user.

He also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the charity as a permanent reminder of his visit.

Charity staff said they were delighted that His Royal Highness has chosen to visit them as part of his day’s tour of the West Midlands.

Doreen Woodward said: “We were honoured to welcome HRH, The Earl of Wessex to New Directions and tell him more about the valuable work of our local charity.

“We are committed to providing and developing the best opportunities, support and accommodation for the people we support so they can have healthy, happy and fulfilled lives and are part of their local community.

“I am sure that our service users, staff and guests will cherish the memories of this visit for years to come.”

Call , email or visit www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk to find out more about New Directions and their day opportunities, home care, respite, residential and supported living services.

See more photos from Prince Edward's visit in next week's Observer, out on Thursday (October 16). Free copies are available from Brown & Cockerills estate agents in Regent Street.

Buy photos» The Prince jovially mingled with staff and residents of the supported living home.

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