The Duchess of Cornwall visited Fair Close Centre on Thursday where she met staff and members at the centre in Newbury.
The Duchess re-opened Fair Close Centre on Newtown Road to mark its 51st anniversary. During her visit, she met the staff of the hair salon and greeted customers who were in the process of getting a new hair-do. She also took part in an Easter bonnet making workshop.
After being greeted by centre patron, Harry Henderson, and his sister Josie Reed who is the centre’s chairwoman, The Duchess of Cornwall toured the facilities of the Fair Close Centre.
The Royal visit also involved the Duchess meeting the senior citizens that use the facilities and the hard-working staff that keep it running. This included the runners of second-hand shops, the cooks in the kitchen, and the volunteers who deliver meals on wheels to the centre’s users.
After meeting volunteers, donors and supporters at a small reception, The Duchess of Cornwall unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit and the anniversary of the centre. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, first opened the Fair Close Centre in 1967 to which the Duchess of Cornwall viewed the visitor book the Queen Mum signed on her visit.
While visiting, the Duchess chatted with some of the senior citizens, joining in a card game over tea.
The Fair Close Centre is a purpose-built day centre for senior citizens to socialise, eat and relax. The centre also provides entertainment for its customers, including gentle exercise classes, knitting and bingo. There is also a minibus to transport its users to and from the centre.
The centre is run by Age Concern Newbury & District, an independent charity which receives public funding. It has recently undergone a major modernisation and refurbishment programme.