The Earl of Wessex in Derbyshire

The Earl of Wessex spent the day in Derbyshire on 27 September – making four visits around the county.

First, The Earl met children at CHICKS Daleside Retreat, a charity that gives disadvantaged children fun respite breaks for free. CHICKS has two other locations around the country and has helped over 14,000 children since 1992.  

Some of these children were carers or victims of bullying and abuse – CHICKS provides vital breaks for them to make positive memories during their school holidays.

This is the 25th anniversary year of CHICKS.

Next, The Earl was welcomed to St. Oswald’s Church in Ashbourne, where an exhibition of the Town’s Treasurers reveals it’s interesting history. This includes Medieval Heraldic Shields and the Tomb of Penelope Boothby, made by Thomas Bank, an 18th century English Sculptor in 1791. The church itself is said to date back to 1210.

The Earl of Wessex then visited the University of Derby to open the new STEM centre. The Earl dropped in on classes in the new Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths centre – two highlights included learning about 3D printing and seeing the magnificent new wind tunnel. The university also becomes a Duke of Edinburgh Award licensed organisation on 1 October.

The Earl ended his visit to Derbyshire at Trent College, on the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The Earl watched students practicing DofE camping activities on the school fields and met past and present members of staff. The Earl unveiled a commemorative plaque at the school, which celebrates it’s 150th anniversary this year.

Find out more about The Earl of Wessex here.