Bude Welcomes the Duchess of Edinburgh

A Royal Welcome at The Castle Heritage Centre

Bude was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh to The Castle Heritage Centre on Wednesday, 13th November. The Duchess met with a variety of local community groups and organisations whose dedication enriches the lives of residents across the area.

Warm Welcome from Local Schools

School children from Marhamchurch CofE Academy, Stratton Primary School, and Bude Primary Academy gave The Duchess a warm welcome upon her arrival, proudly waving flags as Her Royal Highness took time to stop and chat with them. With Bude showing itself at its best in the beautiful sunshine, the day’s event was off to a memorable start.

Engaging with Bude’s Community Spirit

During the visit, The Duchess engaged with a broad range of groups, reflecting the diversity and strength of Bude’s community spirit. These included accessible and adaptive surfing, environmental conservation, and youth development initiatives, such as The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at Budehaven Community School. Her Royal Highness also met with Cognition Learning CIC, a community interest company providing young people with technical and creative learning opportunities, as well as groups dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and inclusivity of residents.

Showcasing a Diverse Range of Community Groups

The visit showcased organisations like Active8, a charity empowering young people with physical disabilities, and Bude Memory Café, which provides a welcoming space for those experiencing memory loss and their carers. Environmental advocates such as Cleaner Seas Group and the 2 Minute Foundation were also present, highlighting their efforts to protect Bude’s stunning beaches and reduce plastic pollution. Each group shared stories of their work to address the unique challenges of a rural seaside community.

The Duchess’s Reflections on Bude’s Community

The Duchess of Edinburgh expressed admiration for the dedication and passion demonstrated by all those involved, and the important role they play in enhancing the quality of life in Bude and Stratton. Her Royal Highness could see the community’s collaborative spirit, and how each group contributes to social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and the wellbeing of residents of all ages.

A Memorable Day for Bude-Stratton

Mayor of Bude-Stratton, Steven Haynes, shared his thoughts on the day: “We were delighted to showcase the fantastic work our local community groups achieve. It was incredibly special to have this dedication recognised by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, and it will undoubtedly be a day to remember for all involved. The Duchess’s genuine interest and warm approach left a lasting impression on us all.”

A Lasting Impact on the Community

The visit was an inspiring occasion for everyone involved, with Her Royal Highness showing a keen interest in learning about the diversity of activities within the community. The Duchess’ conversations with group members, filled with questions and laughter, highlighted the warmth and connection that was made with each participant. The Council extends its heartfelt thanks to The Duchess for the visit, which has undoubtedly left a positive mark on those who had the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness.