Royal Visit

I took over a bus on the Strand yesterday heading for St Marychurch. While changing drivers a gentleman approached the bus with his Guide Dog. He was very anxious that he was getting on the right bus for the Babbacombe Sailing Club, I and the outgoing driver both assured him he was on the best possible bus and I promised him faithfully I would make sure he got off at the right stop. When we got to the Chilcott Memorial he was still quite concerned we were in the right place. He explained that he had an appointment to see Princess Anne. Oh. Yeah. Right. Yes. OK what now?



Then I noticed there were a lot of No Parking cones around and a small group of police officers trying to look butch and a crowd around the entrance to the Sailing Club. He explained that he went sailing even though he was blind (good for him) and Princess Anne was patron of a society for disabled sailors (Good for her) and he was going to meet her and share afternoon tea.

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Read on from the Herald Express



ROYAL TREATMENT FOR SAIL CLUB WITH VIP PRINCESS

11:00 - 23 June 2008
Princess Anne is to honour young sailors in a visit to the Bay today.The Princess Royal accepted an invitation from Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club to present awards at a reception for youngsters and volunteer instructors at the end of its regatta.The Princess is patron of the Royal Yachting Association Sailability, an initiative which promotes the skills of boating to those with any form of physical, sensory or learning disability.She will present certificates to children from Coombe Pafford school who have successfully completed sailing training.



Cadets who have completed qualifications to become assistant instructors will also be presented to the princess.Invited guests include representatives from schools and organisations, including the Blind Sailing Association, the Sea Scouts and RYA Sailability.Commodore Dave Homer said preparations for the VIP visit were going well."It is very busy for us because we are preparing for the big event while holding the regatta."We are hugely honoured that the Princess is coming. It will be an excellent day for the club and for the volunteers whose efforts must be celebrated," he said.



The visit coincides with Babbacombe Festival which runs until Sunday, June 29.