Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Moreton-in-Marsh on Friday 19th January to celebrate the achievements of a learning disability service which has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Gloucestershire DCA (Domiciliary Care Agency) is run by the national learning disabilities charity Home Farm Trust (Hft). Hft supports more than 2500 people with learning disabilities across the country to live the best life possible and to live independently in their own homes. Her Royal Highness is a Hft Patron and opened the Moreton-in-Marsh site in 1998.

In recognition of the fact that Cotswold Friends has worked closely with the Home Farm Trust Charity, we received four invitations to attend the celebrations. Two members of our staff, Bridget Salvage (Befriending and Carer Respite Manager) and Sheryl Murray (Volunteer and Community Activities Manager) were delighted to meet Her Royal Highness. Sheryl said “Princess Anne spent quite a while talking to Bridget and me and showed great interest in our charity and services. I was so proud I nearly burst.”

Two of our volunteers also attended the day. Alan Cooke and Liz Mitchell volunteer as befrienders, supporting Hft clients. Alan recently received his 20 year volunteering award and has undertaken some amazing work in that time, including organising a Ben Nevis climb amongst many other activities.

Congratulations to Hft and all those that attended. What a fantastic day!