HRH The Princess Royal was in Derby today Thursday 18th July to visit the War Memorial Village Derby as it celebrates it’s 70th anniversary and 100 years of Council Housing, followed by St Martin’s Church and Community Centre.

HRH was greeted  by the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Frank Harwood, the Mayoress of Derby, Mrs Anita Harwood, the Rt Revd Jan Mcfarlane, Bishop of Repton, Chair of Trustees, Mr. Harvey Jennings and Community Development Manager, Carl Willis.

HRH was then escorted to meet Trustees and residents of the village, members of Derby Homes, contractors, architects and developers working on the development of nine new homes and the ongoing regeneration of the site.

The Princess Royal unveiled plaques to be installed on the new homes and a obelisk marking the occasion and the 70th anniversary of the Village before a short re-dedication service. Finally HRH was presented with a Royal Crown Derby plate and a posy from Miss Emily Greenway, a ten year old pupil from Allenton Primary School.

The second stage of the visit is to the St. Martin’s Church and Community Centre in Allenton. The Community Centre has recently undergone a truly inspiring expansion and refurbishment. With a total investment of just £250,000, the actual work involved has been valued at £1 million, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and companies providing materials and services at no cost and sponsorship.

HRH was introduced to Revd Lorraine Mellor, a Methodist Minister, and Ms. Mairi Radcliffe, St Martin’s Pastor, Carole Mills, Chief Executive of Derby City Council and Cllr Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride.

The Princess Royal was introduced to contractors and stakeholders and individuals who use the centres facilities, taking an opportunity to see the Chatterbox Cafe and the Community Garden, meeting a group of Youth Ambassadors.

Back in the church HRH saw a performance from a choir of young adults involved with 3 local charities (Umbrella / Steps for Derby / STEPS) to perform a short song led by Councillor Mrs. Nadine Peatfield.

HRH was then invited by Carole Mills to unveil a plaque commemorating the visit and a posy from Miss Louise Wood, from the STEPS Adult Learning Service.

You can see over a hundred more fantastic images from the day in our  Royal Photo Gallery