We were honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Taurus Crafts, our visitor and education centre in Lydney, this week to celebrate a double anniversary.
At Camphill Village Trust we are celebrating our 70th anniversary, and this year also marks the 30th anniversary of Taurus Crafts.
HRH The Princess Royal toured the many facilities at Taurus on Wednesday (26), which include the Severnside Skills education centre. This centre provides vocational training and educational opportunities in retail and hospitality for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The centre also runs a range of short six week courses, including barista skills, office administration skills, and gardening.
She visited the zero waste shop and met some of the people who work there, before moving on to the Chocolate Box and the café. The café provides work and volunteer opportunities for people training in the education centre, as well as a wide range of arts and crafts activities, and a range of artisan shops and businesses.
The visit was organised by Brian Mannion, who lives in one of our Gloucester communities and works at Taurus Crafts. He first wrote to St James’ Palace almost a year ago inviting a royal visit and then followed up with several emails to the Gloucestershire Lieutenant’s office.
Brian’s persistence finally paid off and he co-hosted the Royal event with Camphill Village Trust CEO, Sara Thakkar.
Brian said: “The visit is something I will never forget. From coming to fruition from a letter I wrote to St James’ Palace, to negotiating the visit, and bringing the community together in celebration of 70 years of Camphill Village Trust and 30 years of Taurus Crafts – it wasn’t without nerves, but the whole thing was just fantastic! I found Her Royal Highness to be one of the most engaging people I have ever met.”
Sara added: “The visit was such a joyful experience. It was all about the achievements of the people we support in our communities, and there was so much excitement about meeting HRH The Princess Royal. She was so knowledgeable about what we do, and the challenges we face in the sector. It was a fantastic experience for everyone at Taurus Crafts and our Gloucester communities.”
HRH The Princess Royal was presented with a hamper of Camphill Village Trust produce, and a handmade bouquet created by one of the people we support. She also cut the first slice of an amazing birthday cake, and unveiled a beautiful plaque which had been made in our own pottery workshop.
Camphill Village Trust is an adult social care provider and a fundraising charity. We support adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health problems, and we provide supported living and Green Care day opportunities at our communities. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor supported activities and nature-based therapy at 10 sites across the UK.
At Camphill Village Trust we are celebrating our 70th anniversary, and this year also marks the 30th anniversary of Taurus Crafts.
HRH The Princess Royal toured the many facilities at Taurus on Wednesday (26), which include the Severnside Skills education centre. This centre provides vocational training and educational opportunities in retail and hospitality for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The centre also runs a range of short six week courses, including barista skills, office administration skills, and gardening.
She visited the zero waste shop and met some of the people who work there, before moving on to the Chocolate Box and the café. The café provides work and volunteer opportunities for people training in the education centre, as well as a wide range of arts and crafts activities, and a range of artisan shops and businesses.
The visit was organised by Brian Mannion, who lives in one of our Gloucester communities and works at Taurus Crafts. He first wrote to St James’ Palace almost a year ago inviting a royal visit and then followed up with several emails to the Gloucestershire Lieutenant’s office.
Brian’s persistence finally paid off and he co-hosted the Royal event with Camphill Village Trust CEO, Sara Thakkar.
Brian said: “The visit is something I will never forget. From coming to fruition from a letter I wrote to St James’ Palace, to negotiating the visit, and bringing the community together in celebration of 70 years of Camphill Village Trust and 30 years of Taurus Crafts – it wasn’t without nerves, but the whole thing was just fantastic! I found Her Royal Highness to be one of the most engaging people I have ever met.”
Sara added: “The visit was such a joyful experience. It was all about the achievements of the people we support in our communities, and there was so much excitement about meeting HRH The Princess Royal. She was so knowledgeable about what we do, and the challenges we face in the sector. It was a fantastic experience for everyone at Taurus Crafts and our Gloucester communities.”
HRH The Princess Royal was presented with a hamper of Camphill Village Trust produce, and a handmade bouquet created by one of the people we support. She also cut the first slice of an amazing birthday cake, and unveiled a beautiful plaque which had been made in our own pottery workshop.
Camphill Village Trust is an adult social care provider and a fundraising charity. We support adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health problems, and we provide supported living and Green Care day opportunities at our communities. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor supported activities and nature-based therapy at 10 sites across the UK.
