Royal visit to Ironbridge teddy bear factory
From the most amazing community efforts to the joys of thousands of teddy bears just made for hugs and in so many cases to keep forever, it was a very special afternoon for yesterday. And just right for an equally special royal visitor who is always so greatly appreciative of people pulling together and encourages them greatly.
But who also has a lovely sense of humour which brightens the day for many.
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra is such a popular visitor to Shropshire and always has time for a word with everyone.
So yesterday was another time for people, children and the dogs to gather together and say: “Welcome.”
First port of call was the Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton where Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy and his wife Lady Jane Heber-Percy, were joined in a big welcome by High Sheriff Rhoderick Swire, Chairman of Shropshire Council Cllr Ann Hartley and Mayor of Church Stretton Cllr Michael Braid. Other civic representatives as well as trustees, staff and supporters joined them including founder Meg Bacon, Richard Elliott, chairman of the Trustees and chief officer of the community centre Nicola McPherson.
And all to show the royal visitor a community at work and the achievements possible.
And she was certainly impressed to hear that the Mayfair transformation is known nationally as a flagship centre. It includes a busy Ring & Ride service, handmade crafts and recycled cards plus a cafe, exercises classes to suit most folk. There is a day care centre and meal delivery service run each day from the kitchen. While complementary therapists offer help and support.
Princess Alexandra was clearly well impressed and no doubt happy to unveil a plaque marking her visit.
Then it was over the Edge (that’s Wenlock Edge) to Coalbrookdale where the teddy bears were waiting!
Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, Raj Mehta, led the way on this one and was joined by MP Lucy Allan and managing director of Merrythought, Sarah Holmes. And indeed Sarah captured the fascination of us all in the delightful shop full of such a variety and the work rooms where around 500 teddies a week are created and made ready for new homes – some as far away as Japan.
Sarah also gave the Princess a tiny, furry key ring and insisted it was a gift, while longest serving staff member Wendy Edwards, presented her with a bespoke bear to take home.
All in all, a very special afternoon for a very special lady.
