The Duchess of Cornwall undertakes engagements in East London

Published 23 January 2019

Today, The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Jewish Care’s Brenner Centre to commemorate its 80th anniversary. The centre offers a warm, relaxed and caring environment where older people living in the area can meet up with old and new friends, whilst remaining connected to their Jewish roots. The Stepney Jewish Community Centre members call it their ‘second home’ with a wide range of stimulating activities on offer, from art to creative writing, keep fit, reminiscence groups, entertainment and regular outings. Additionally, the centre provides a programme of therapeutic activities for anyone who needs special care and is experiencing a bereavement or isolation.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness joined a tea and met volunteers, staff and centre members, who spoke to The Duchess about the role the centre plays in their lives today.

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Beverly Stone, a regular entertainer at the centre, performed at the close of the event whilst Her Royal Highness joined members on the dance floor. Before leaving, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit and said:

This place is one of the most uplifting centres I’ve ever been to, meeting all you wonderful, inspirational people has been a real treat

Later in the day, Her Royal Highness was greeted at the Caxton Hall Community Centre by local schoolchildren and residents, who were taking part in a CleanUpUK litter pick. CleanUpUK, of which The Duchess of Cornwall has been President since 2011, is a charity whose mission it is to bring about stronger, safer and integrated communities by involving people in litter-picking activity. The charity’s projects are focused on people living in disadvantaged areas in London and Birmingham, working with people who are the most vulnerable to social issues.

Her Royal Highness was presented with two litter-picking sticks for The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex. The Duchess said:

I will deliver these personally, they are rather pros at the job, they were taught well by their father, who as you know is a passionate litter picker

Following this, The Duchess attended a reception with members of the Malmesbury Residents Association and a local Age UK lunch club. Malmesbury Residents Association is committed to strengthening the community of Malmesbury and working with Tower Hamlets Borough Council to improve quality of life for their residents.