Invited guests and dignitaries joined staff and residents to welcome HRH The Duchess of Gloucester to Berrington Court Extra Care Scheme on Tuesday. 

After a formal welcome by Marina Banner, Executive Director for The Community Housing Group, The Duchess toured the building and met residents as well as enjoying an exhibition showcasing the activities and achievements of the residents living in the scheme, including the fundraising efforts by the residents to purchase a minibus to help alleviate social isolation.

The Duchess also spent some time at “The Men in Sheds” display and was presented with a handcrafted wooden pot by Arthur Nevitt, one of the keen crafts people who use the onsite workshop. He told The Duchess that it helped to keep his mind active and prevent loneliness.

The visit was finished off with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a performance from the scheme's resident choir, The Berritones.

As the Royal Party departed, residents enjoyed a "high tea" and discussed their experience of the day. They praised The Duchess for being "very kind and easy to talk to" and were very complimentary about the interest she showed at the displays.