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Royal visit at disability centre as Princess Anne comes to Caerphilly

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 17:04, Friday November 8th, 2019.
Last updated: 15:11, Tuesday November 12th, 2019
Princess Anne leaving Sense Cymru’s TouchBase centre in Caerphilly

HRH Princess Anne paid a visit to a day care centre for adults with complex disabilities on Caerphilly Business Park on Friday, November 8.

The Princess Royal visited the TouchBase centre, which is run by charity Sense UK, of which she is a patron.

Her helicopter landed on the Bryn Field in Trethomas before she made her way to Caerphilly in a chauffeur-driven Jaguar.

The Princess Royal arrived at the centre at around 1.30pm and stayed for nearly an hour.

From left: Jane Plant, Catherine De Haas, Andrew Jones, Maria Horton, HRH Princess Anne and Jane Lantham

Sense UK chief executive Richard Kramer gave the Princess Royal a tour of the centre, where she met with staff, service users and local fundraisers.

She observed workshops offered at the centre, such as sensory storytelling, reflexology, music, soft play and cooking.

After the tour, the Princess Royal presented the Carer of the Year award to Kirsty Davies, whose daughter Sophie attends the centre.

The centre has a sensory garden, two sensory rooms, a music room, a dark room, an independent living kitchen, two large activity rooms, a soft play area, pamper suite, and an inclusive technology suite.

From left: Princess Anne, Dawn Goman, Lisa Kynes, Charlotte Henson and service user John Langshaw

TouchBase Cymru opened in Caerphilly in March 2016 and offers daycare for people with complex disabilities such as learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and visual and hearing impairments.

As Princess Anne left the centre, a number of workers from the business park were waiting outside to catch a glimpse of the Princess Royal.

One worker remarked: “This is the most exciting thing that’s happened on this business park.”

TouchBase Wales manager Kate Wright said: ““It was an honour and a pleasure to welcome HRH Princess Anne to Touchbase Cymru.

“The team have had a successful three years since opening and it’s lovely for them to be recognised with this accolade.

“We have gone from strength to strength and it’s all thanks to the support of our staff, families and the local community.”

Mrs Wight added: “HRH Princess Anne was extremely interested to find out more about the people we support and spent time talking to them all.

“She asked questions of our staff team and showed real gratitude for the work they do every day. We would like to thank everyone who made this event possible.”

Chief executive Mr Kramer said: “We were thrilled to welcome our patron, HRH Princess Anne, to Sense TouchBase Wales in Caerphilly.

“Our specialist team provides a vital service for children and adults with complex disabilities and their families.

“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the individuals we support and the contribution of our staff, volunteers and supporters.”

Caerphilly Media
Sense UK
Sense UK

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