Royal Visit - HRH Princess Anne

Wally Pitt meets HRH The Princess Royal

Princess Anne chatting to Wally and Tony Heaton (Director for the Arts & Environment of Holton Lee) with Maggie and many of our helpers in support.

Princess Anne having a word with Tim Worner, our secretary.

John Newell, hidden behind Wally, has a word, reminding the Princess that he was present when she opened the Barn 12 years ago. Denise, at Maggie's head has no worries about Maggie who looks too bored for words! The Princess did give Maggie a royal pat on the neck!

On the 7th February HRH Princess Anne opened the new wing of the Barn at Holton Lee and, at very short notice, members of the East Holton Driving Centre were requested to be presented.P
As Patron of the RDA it was no surprise that the Princess wanted to meet some of us, and we felt very proud to be recognised and presented to Her Royal Highness.

Our morning was spent cleaning the Bennington cart and harness after feeding and grooming the other three who were turned out in the school. Maggie received a bit of extra attention to grooming of course.

The schedule was very precise and we had to be at the top of the lane by 1 o'clock ready to move into position in the car park area in front of the Barn as soon as the Princess walked up to the arts pavillion, where she was due to spend only 10 minutes. Bang on cue she emerged and walked down with her party of local dignitaries to be presented to Wally and our group.

Maggie was perfectly behaved and stood patiently, unmoved by everything going on, and Wally, no stranger to the Royal Family, ( Princess Anne happens to be the Colonel of the Blues & Royals Household Cavalry in which Wally served for many years) introduced us. Princess Anne was very relaxed and chatted easily with several of the group for her allotted 10 minutes before moving on to meet the Green Team and then into Faith House before she was finally whisked off in a helicopter. I feel it was a very successful and fulfilling day.