Queen has "wonderful" visit to befrienders - see slideshow
MEMBERS of a small West Norfolk befriending charity had a "wonderful" time this lunchtime (Friday) after they were treated to a special Royal visit.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh spent time with people who benefit from the Lynn-based group, as well as volunteers, and trustees, at their annual New Year meeting, in The Sandringham Visitors' Centre.
West Norfolk Befriending (WNB) provides carers for people over 65 in Lynn and up the coast who are socially isolated. Many of the service users cannot leave their homes and only receive visits from the carers.
Manger of WNB, Pippa May, told the Lynn News: "It is a wonderful occasion and I'm honoured to have The Queen come and visit us."
Following their early arrival the Royal couple were greeted by Mrs May and Alan Hayes, chairman of the trustees.
The Queen, who was wearing bright purple, talked with many people including Evelyn Habben (94), of Hunstanton.
After the visit Mrs Habben said: "I love The Queen. It is the first time I have seen her and it has made my life."
The Queen even took time at the end to speak to the oldest person who benefits from the charity, 101-year-old Florence Wortley-Waters, because she was away when the special guests stopped at her table.
"It was wonderful. She just said how jolly and bright I was for my age. They wouldn't believe I'm the age I am. The Duke laughed and said I must have made a mistake," added Mrs Wortley-Waters.
Ernest Price (82), of Snettisham thought The Queen was "very nice" and "beautifully dressed".
Also in attendance was Deputy Borough Mayor, Colin Sampson, and David White, of Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales which has granted 20,000 to WNB for them to expand their work over the next two years into the Downham area.
Mr Sampson, also a Downham Town councillor, said: "I thought it was very good and there was a tremendous mix of people. There has been a buzz all day. I chatted with the Duke and he was very normal and natural."
Mrs May added: "I thought it went very well. They were both very relaxed and enjoyed it."
If you would like to find out more information about the WNB ring 01553 763500 or email info@wnbefrienders.org.uk
Earlier in the day, the Royal pair learned about Lynn's fishing heritage when they visited True's Yard museum.
The Queen was shown the old North End cottages which have been turned into a social history museum, and also spoke to volunteers descended from those who lived in the area, during the course of her half-hour visit.
Volunteer George Solly, 74, showed the Duke the cottage where he had been born, one of a pair of the last original cottages preserved when the site was turned into a museum more than 20 years ago.
He said: "He was very interested. I told him I am very pleased to be doing the maintenance now in the whole of the True's Yard museum. He was just very interested in everything."
Museum curator, Paul Richards, said: "The Queen was very interested in who lived in the cottages and how small they were and she was amazed by the models and exhibits that we have and she asked where they came from."
The Queen met the museum's founder Pat Midgley, who first met the Queen when she received an MBE for her plight to preserve True's Yard.
She said: "What an honour. I just think it is so wonderful that they've been recognised now and for the old Northenders themselves to think that the Queen of England would have gone to the North End. How proud they would have been to know that."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
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Light rain
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