Cornwall Federation of Women’s Institutes were delighted to be invited to a celebration in Newquay today, with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as the honoured guest – and we were excited that Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall, accompanied Her Royal Highness for the start of the visit.
The event took place at Tregunnel Hill in Newquay – a development on Duchy land, built with sustainability at its heart, including using local materials, and with regionally distinctive architecture.
The plan was for the event to take place outside – but torrential rain set in. Help was at hand – and the whole affair moved into the fire station!
Colonel Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant, welcomed the royal couple. The Duchess of Cornwall had celebrated her 70th birthday this week and she was presented with a beautiful cake, which she and Prince Charles cut with the Lord Lieutenant’s sword. Sadly, we did not get to taste it. The Duchess of Cornwall then toured the event and stopped to sit, chat and shake hands with everyone.
The Eden Project had laid on a Big Lunch for the Hill residents, who were all invited. The Big Lunch is lovely event that encourages neighbours to enjoy a lunch together once a year in a simple act of community, friendship and fun..
Newquay WI provided and served a huge and fabulous buffet for everyone else – include police, fire fighters, Special Branch! A right royal feast it was. The Duchess of Cornwall was most impressed – and had a special word with Newquay WI President Anne Wilson.
Next, County Chairman Barbara Corbett introduced Her Royal Highness to all the rest of us, and the Duchess much admired the Royal Cornwall Show competition winning entries, which were on display. We presented her with a pretty posy and wished her many happy returns.
As the Duchess moved on to see Shelterbox, a vineyard and other displays, we happily tucked in to the buffet, accompanied by fabulous music from The Steelers, a youth steel band from Newquay.
What a nice way to spend a rainy day!
– Julia Havard, Cornwall Federation Vice-Chair
You can see more photos here.