Royal visit to Salisbury

Wiltshire has always welcomed the Royal Family and I look back with fondness to the many visits over the years that they have made to the county.

I can still vividly recall the sea of smiling faces, Union Jack flags, and what seemed like mile upon mile of bunting that greeted the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they visited Salisbury in 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

These visits engage communities, and all ages turn out to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family members on days that create everlasting memories.

When The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Salisbury tomorrow (Friday 22 June) I have no doubt that it will be another of those days and, personally, I can’t wait.

I’m delighted that Their Royal Highnesses are visiting to support the city’s recovery programme, which is making good progress. Amesbury ambulance station is the third site to be handed back this week and Salisbury is getting back to normal.

The city’s ongoing recovery has involved many people from many local and national organisations, and many will be personally thanked for their efforts by Their Royal Highnesses at a special reception at the Guildhall.

Their visit includes a walk through the city’s Market Place and it is hoped that hundreds of visitors will attend to give the Royal visitors a very warm welcome. It will be another day in Wiltshire’s history and a real milestone for the recovery programme. It will showcase Salisbury worldwide as more than forty media outlets will be in attendance, including Australian TV and will help to promote that the city is safe and that visitors and tourists are also very welcome.

This week there is another milestone – as the corporate team and others – including the Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, participate in a cycle of 130 miles around the county for the inaugural Bustard Ride and to raise money for Wiltshire Mind, a charity that does truly exceptional work for the people of our county.

This event will raise a lot of money, at the time of writing this blog £1,550 has been pledged – but perhaps more importantly it will help to raise awareness of the importance and understanding of the issue of mental health. With mental health affecting one in four of us – and loneliness being as damaging to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day – this is a serious issue which needs to be openly discussed and supported.

The EPIC staff engagement group have also joined in to try and beat the 130 miles, but on exercise bikes located in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury hubs. I wish everyone taking part – in whatever form – the very best of luck! Please do pledge your support by visiting the donation page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bustard-ride-wiltshire.

Jane