Participants, volunteers, staff and arts practitioners welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex to Independent Arts Creative Hub in Newport on Tuesday afternoon.
The visit was arranged by the Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, as part of the Jubilee celebrations.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex met a range of organisations that have worked tirelessly to support islanders through the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the hour-long visit to the arts for wellbeing charity, The Earl, a longstanding supporter of the arts, joined in with a demonstration of therapeutic Singing for Breathing and toured the Heritage Newport Mills gallery exhibition of art installations created by Young Carers, the Newport Scouts and Year 5 students from St Helen’s Primary School.
His Royal Highness also learnt about the charity’s wellbeing workshops in care homes around the Island, meeting some of the hugely talented musicians and artists who bring such joy to residents, particularly those with dementia.
The Earl heard about arts for wellbeing projects supporting young people and families across the Island, with a display of artworks from the Saturday Picture Play sessions, and by teenagers attending the Creative Hub to support their mental health.
Students from the IW Education Federation showed their stunning display of Biosphere Birds sculpted from wire, created as part of a year-long Creative Biosphere collaboration with artist-in-residence Trudie Wilson.
Volunteers and participants from the weekly Creative Café group chatted to His Royal Highness as they stitched Jubilee bunting. The grand finale to the visit was a couple of rousing songs sung by all as part of the Island wide SingAbout sessions that are run weekly.
Wendy Varley, chair of trustees, said of the visit:
“It was a privilege to be able to show The Earl of Wessex how Independent Arts makes a real difference to people’s lives here on the island. It was a thoroughly enjoyable hour.”
Local weekly participant at the charity Margaret Loveridge, who showed His Royal Highness how to sew Jubilee bunting, said afterwards:
“It was an honour to be invited to be part of the visit today, Independent Arts have given me so much, coming to their projects has helped me get my life back. The whole experience has been magical. It was my pleasure to represent the work of Independent Arts”.
He looks so relaxed and approachable, how the monarchy have changed in the last 30 years. Pleased he and his lady wife had a good time.
Well he would look like that, it is an act, they don’t have to worry about where the next meal is coming from or how to pay the fuel bills. I don’t know or understand how many people are so gullible and believe in all this royal tosh. The poor are being squeezed hard and the rich, get richer. And you thought Putin was evil, take a look in your own back yards people.
Well said ‘Sir Digby’ although I’d drop the self-appointed Queens honoury knighthood title if I were you.
Of course he looks “relaxed and approachable” he and the rest of ‘the firm’ of freeloaders don’t live in the real world. What’s even more beguiling is the smiling sycophants who foolishly believe he and all the other tax dodging scroungers, are something or someone to be revered.
It’s Lucky No one gives a Flying F what you think
Don’t give a s**t mate. Everyone is allowed an opinion. Even you !!!
Very true
What a load of posh nonsense!
Royal fan of musical theatre learns to sew? Now I know this is fake news…
My mum, who has cancer, was chosen to host Sophie in her flat. She said she was lovely. Sat on her sofa and chatted to her like anyone would. I’m not a royalist in anyway shape or form, but my mum was so happy
We met them both. They are extremely sociable, very friendly and really cared about the people they met! The changing face of royalty, hope the Queen is here a bit longer and Charles and Camilla are ready to carry the baton!!
Care and royal don’t mix. Gullible, hypnosis doesn’t work online I’m afraid.