Queen hands out seeds and cuttings during visit to charities
Over the last 50 years, the foundation has awarded more than £26.8m in grants, supporting hundreds of thousands of people across Wiltshire and Swindon. Its funding has tackled a wide range of local issues from domestic abuse, poverty and rural isolation to mental health, education and employment. Her Majesty met individuals who have been supported by the charity, and unveiled a special plaque marking the charity's formal reintroduction of Swindon into its name.Elsewhere in the region, the Queen visited Jamie's Farm to meet some of the children who attend the centre.The organisation works with young people typically aged between 11 and 16, who are at risk of social or academic exclusion due to challenges with behaviour, attendance, or mental health.
Since the charity was established in 2009, it has welcomed more than 16,000 young people to their six existing sites in Bath, Hereford, Monmouth, Lewes, Skipton and a city farm in London Waterloo.She told guests: "I am yet to get to Yorkshire, but that will be next on my agenda. I promise you I will get there."It's really thanks to everybody here that this has happened at this really wonderful ancient farm. I look forward to seeing it in a year's time with all the children."
Before her departure, the Queen handed over a basket of cuttings and seeds, including foxgloves, hollyhocks, mint, rosemary and blackcurrant, taken from her private home near Lacock in Wiltshire."I hope I can come back and see them thriving," she added.Thanking the Queen for her visit, Mr Feilden said: "We are honoured that you are here to officially open Lower Shockerwick Farm."We really appreciate your support, interest and advocacy for the work that we do."
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