The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Northamptonshire

Blackthorn Good Neighbours Nursery, a local nursery run by the charity Growing Together Northampton, welcomed Her Royal Highness to mark their 10th anniversary.

Blackthorn Good Neighbours Nursery, a local facility run by the charity Growing Together Northampton,  celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Her Royal Highness's visit shone a spotlight on the incredible work the nursery has done since its doors opened in 2015. The nursery has, so far, educated and nurtured over 600 children and the wider work of the charity offers vital support to the whole community through its outreach work.

The Duchess toured the nursery’s learning spaces, meeting children, volunteers and staff from both the nursery and wider charity, before unveiling a special commemorative plaque.

The Duchess went on to mark the 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton and the rebuilding of the Town., viewing the restored Market Square and the regeneration project for Northampton Town Centre. 

Her Royal Highness also met children from St Luke’s CE Primary School who have created artwork and recreated pictures of the fire. 

Then, she visited a mountain bike experience facility which helps to tackle inequalities in local communities by encouraging children and adults to become active and improve their wellbeing.

During the visit, The Duchess learned about the park’s development, its community impact, and the role it plays in encouraging more people to get active through cycling.

There was also the opportunity to meet a variety of people connected to the project, including volunteers, local authority representatives, and board members from Northamptonshire Sport. Her Royal Highness also spoke with pupils from Boothville Primary School, who were enjoying coached cycling activities as part of the day.