Video: HRH Princess Anne in town to open CAB (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Video: HRH Princess Anne in town to open CAB
9:30am Saturday 11th December 2010 in Video By Harriet Marsh
HRH Princess Anne in town to open CAB
PRINCESS Anne dropped into Bournemouth yesterday for a very special birthday party as the town’s Citizens Advice Bureau turned 70.
Opening the CAB’s new offices at Kinson Hub, in Wimborne Road, the Princess Royal met staff, volunteers and clients who have benefited from their help.
Unveiling a plaque and cutting a cake in the CAB colours of yellow and blue, the Princess Royal said: “This is not just the celebration of a new building and facilities.
“It’s also about 70 years of astonishing work from generations of volunteers, who have made a tremendous impact on people’s lives.”
The national CAB formed in 1939, just after the breakout of the Second World War.
Welcoming the princess, interim manager of Bournemouth CAB Brian Moore said: “We started at a time of great strife and now we face trouble of a different kind.
“We’re still the first point of call for worried people seeking courteous, independent advice on absolutely anything.
“It really is the fourth emergency service.”
The new facilities, including interview rooms and office space, have helped the nine paid staff and band of volunteers as the number of people needing help has doubled.
There is still an office at Bournemouth Town Hall and people can even get help in their own home.
Referring to imminent public and private sector redundancies, cuts to council services and rising interest rates, Mr Moore added: “There is trouble ahead, but we’re up for it.”
Matthew Moore, chair of Bournemouth CAB, said the “first class” facilities had made it easier for people in Kinson, West Howe and Ensbury Park to get help.
“It really is a five-day service now. There are a number of things traditionally provided by solicitors that are no longer available and legal aid is being cut.
“Having someone who understands your problems and the way to go really is vital.”
The princess then left in a helicopter to open the Weymouth Relief Road.
