CAB helpers get Royal praise
Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited Lynn yesterday to meet the loyal volunteers of West Norfolk Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) as the organisation prepares to move to a new home with improved services.
The Princess Royal was given a guided tour of the bureau's home on Queen Street before meeting a number of Lynn-based volunteers who devote their time to helping members of the public with problems such as debts, legal issues and relationship advice.
During the visit she learned about the continually changing role of the CAB, which helps more than 16,000 people a year locally, and its desperate need to relocate to bigger, more suitable offices.
Speaking at the end of her visit, the Princess Royal said: "The bureau here is an example of longevity. In this environment it could pale in significance, things are changing and you have moved with that and I am sure you will continue to do so by bringing in more volunteers to support people who have problems they need help with.
"Nobody ever plans to have their world turned into crisis but you help them deal with that. I thank you very much."
The Princess Royal was greeted by West Norfolk CAB strategic manager Sam Nurse, whose children Sasha (6) and Jack (4), pupils at Downham's Hillcrest Primary School, presented a posy of flowers.
West Norfolk Mayor Kathy Mellish and Norfolk County Council vice-chairman Wyndham Northam also greeted her on arrival.
After a brief tour of the building she was introduced to volunteers based at the offices, asking them about how long they have been involved and what their motivations were for joining.
Mrs Nurse told the Lynn News: "It went very smoothly. I thought Princess Anne was a very down-to-earth and engaging individual.
"I was very pleased she had time to talk to all the volunteers and she was also very good with my children, who unfortunately froze with the posy.
"She was a very nice lady and so easy to talk to. She has been our patron for 17 years and knew a lot about the CAB in general and was obviously very interested in our work."
Volunteer Trevor Dane, of Margaret Rose Close, Gaywood, added: "It was a very good day and great for us as it helps raise the profile of the bureau.
"It lifts our spirits and makes the job worthwhile.
"It was nice to see a good turnout from the volunteers.
"I was surprised to see how much time she spent with everyone."
Mrs Nurse said she tried to arrange a visit in January 2006, to mark the 40th anniversary of the branch opening, but was delighted to see the Princess Royal finally arrive yesterday.
She said: "This ties in nicely with us merging with Norwich and District and helps us raise our profile as we look for support with our relocation.
"It is a nice farewell to the premises we have been at for 41 years."
The CAB hopes to move to new offices at Whites House, in St Nicholas' Street, in December and needs to raise 50,000 to help with the relocation.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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