The Countess of Wessex visits Oxfordshire

 

The Countess of Wessex travelled to Oxfordshire where she spent the day meeting people from several charities in the local area. First, The Countess met young children receiving specialist physiotherapy treatment at Footsteps Foundation in Dorchester.

Footsteps supports children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. The charity has 8 physiotherapists providing treatment across a range of equipment, including a special ‘spider’ - that helps children improve strength and movement. Over the past year they have provided support to over 180 children.

Her Royal Highness also made a visit to Sylva Wood School. Sylva is an environmental charity that aims to help Britain’s trees and woodlands thrive, caring for 90,000 hectares. The charity  supports more than 5000 woodland owners across Britain. 

The Countess visited Sylva's Business Centre where 15 small wood businesses are supported by the charity. With the help of a wood work teacher, The Countess jumped at the chance to try out wood shaving!

The Countess officially opened the charity’s restored Anglo Saxon building the ‘House of Wessex’. The remains of the building were found on the charity's land. 7th century tools and materials have been used to rebuild the structure. The house will be used as an educational facility hosting traditional re-enactments.

Later at The Earth Trust The Countess learnt more about the charity’s work in tackling local environmental challenges.