A ROYAL guest caused a flurry of excitement during a visit to a centre for adults with learning difficulties today.

Her Royal Highness, Sophie, Countess of Wessex paid a visit to the Stable Family Home Trust at Bisterne, near Ringwood, and was met by dignitaries, members of staff and cheered by the trust’s service users on her arrival.

The Countess braved the elements to take a tour of the sensory garden before she was treated to a drama performance in the studio.

She also spent time admiring the woodwork and pottery created by the talented adults, before a group performed a Makaton sign language song to Love Can Build a Bridge.

From there the Countess visited the Stables flat before signing the visitor book and unveiling a plaque commemorating her visit.

Commenting on a colourful pottery display, The Countess told a group of the service users they were “very talented”.

And after the signing song, she told the group: “Thank you so much. That was lovely; really moving.”

She embraced some of them, congratulating them again on their performance.

Marion Davies, head of fundraising at the Stable Family Home Trust said: “We are so delighted and honoured by Her Royal Highness’ visit.

“It is an opportunity for us to show her the work that we do to support people with learning difficulties to create extraordinary moments – and today really is one of those very extraordinary moments.

“Everyone has been really excited and spent weeks preparing for the visit.”

Support worker Julie Drysdale said Sophie was warm and friendly towards everyone.

“I wasn’t surprised how warm she was. Her reputation is so nice and she spent time to talk to as many people as she could.

“I hope she enjoyed the signing; everyone has been so excited for her visit.”

  • The Stable Family Home Trust was established as a charity in 1980 by a group of families whose young people had learning disabilities. As there were few family-based living options at that time, the charity set up a residential home at The Stables in Bisterne.

Over the years demand for the service has grown and as well as the accommodation on site at Bisterne, the charity now has three homes in the Southbourne area.