<![CDATA[The Duke of Kent performed not one but two official
Royal duties on Wednesday 8th October as he stopped by at Preston
Park Museum.
The first of these duties was one that had the Duke clearly in his
element as he officially named one of the two rowing boats recently
bought by Tees Rowing Club. In his youth, The Duke of Kent was an
Eton rower and was more than comfortable in pouring champagne over
the nose of the 'Duke of Kent 150', so named in recognition of the
club celebrating its 150th anniversary.
The Duke spent a length of time talking with TRC members as well as
getting the chance to speak with Derek and Penny Copeland, parents
of London 2012 Gold Medallist Kat Copeland. Penny Copeland
commented, "It has been a good day and it was lovely to get an
invite. Kat would have no doubt loved to be here but she has been
in Rio at a training camp. The boat was meant to be named after her
but she asked if she could name it after us, which is wonderful but
that's what she is like." The second of the boats, which the Duke
of Kent did not officially name, was named after Derek and Penny
Copeland.
It wasn't just Olympic Gold Medallist's parents that the Duke got
to meet at the event, pupils of Yarm school's rowing team also got
to share their passion for the sport with His Royal Highness.
Following on from proceedings with the rowing boats, The Duke of
Kent moved to the stunning walled kitchen garden at Preston Park
Museum. The second of his duties saw him unveil a plaque to
mark the opening of the Victorian Garden, which has been brought
back to life by a vast amount of volunteers in a continuous project
over the last two and a half years.
Senior Gardener, Keith Hugill, commented on the new garden, "It has
been great to see so many people here today and to have someone so
important officially opening the garden. It is great publicity and
really nice for the volunteers to have some recognition for all
their hard work. Without them the garden would not exist."
It wasn't just the volunteers who were pleased with the end result
either, as The Duke of Kent left the garden he told the
gathered crowds, "It's a fantastic garden." Now there really is a
Royal seal of approval!
Featured Photo Credit: CWGC via photopin cc]]>
