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TRH visit rural areas in Northumberland

9th November 2006

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall continued their two-day tour of the North East by visiting rural locations in Northumberland.

The Prince and The Duchess first visited the organic Dunterly Farm near Bellingham on a Seeing is Believing visit organised by Business in the Community.

The Prince’s own farm, the Duchy Home Farm was converted to organic farming 20 years ago.

Farmer Colin Anderson took The Prince and The Duchess on a tour of his farm, where he runs his business Kielder Organic Meats supplying fresh produce to local businesses, shoppers and the farm shop.

Mr Anderson and his family began the transition to organic farming four years ago and now have full Soil Association approval.

Northumbrian Blackfaced sheep, Aberdeen Angus and Galloway cattle and old spot Gloucester and Saddleback pigs are reared, butchered and processed on site at the farm.

On the tour of their farm, Their Royal Highnesses met two cows called Charles and Camilla, so named because they were born a few days before The Prince and The Duchess married in April 2005.

Among the local people they met was 93-year-old Laurence Batey, from nearby Acomb, who is a champion shepherd’s crook maker. The Prince is Patron of the Border Stick Dressers Association which champions the traditional skill.

Mr Batey, who celebrated his birthday just five days ago, only took up the craft at the age of 70, after retiring from championship ploughing.

The prize-winning craftsman presented Their Royal Highnesses with a pair of shepherds’ crooks that he had made from hazelwood and Welsh mountain sheep’s horn.

Mr Batey, who is a member of the Border Stick Dressers Association, said: “I was very pleased to meet The Prince and Duchess. I was 93 five days ago and I am pleased I lived long enough to meet them.”

The Prince also presented 10 trainees from the Northumberland National Park with certificates to mark the completion of their apprenticeships before watching them build a dry stone wall.

The Prince is a keen advocate of traditional skills like dry stone walling.

Over tea and biscuits in the farmhouse kitchen, The Prince and The Duchess discussed the future of the North East’s rural economy with local business leaders.

On leaving the farm, The Prince and The Duchess were presented with a selection of organic Aberdeen Angus meats from the farm shop and a decanter of Sloe gin, which had been made by Mr Anderson’s wife Michelle.

Speaking after they had left, Mr Anderson said: “It was absolutely fantastic to welcome the royal couple here.

“It was a big shame that we couldn’t have had another hour with them to discuss the future of hill farming.

“The Prince has a big interest in farming and he is trying to put people together to see if we can save the future of hill farming.

“Hill farming is going through massive changes at the moment but it is going to change even more in the future because of the changes the Government is putting in place, like making farmers move towards environmental protection and rural stewardship schemes.”

Next, The Prince and The Duchess visited one of England’s most remote and charming pubs in the village of Greenhaugh.

The Holly Bush Inn is in the largest parish in the country and as well as serving tasty beers, provides a base for local community groups and holds computer classes for residents of the area.

The Prince got behind the bar and poured a pint of Nel’s Best Ale, which is brewed in the village of Matfen by Steve and Sally Urwin.

The Urwins have diversified their farm since foot-and-mouth disease struck the region five years ago, and they use their own barley to make the beer.

The Prince then met local farmers who told him about the challenges of working in the Cheviot Hills.

Meanwhile The Duchess met local artists who have found inspiration in the rugged landscape, which was looking particularly beautiful in the late autumn sunshine.

Their Royal Highnesses final stop was in Rothbury, Northumberland, to unveil a plaque to mark the official reopening of the Victorian Jubilee Institute.

Local people raised over £500,000 to completely renovate the building which was originally opened in 1887 to commemorate the jubilee of Queen Victoria.

By 1998 the Institute had become run-down and was in dire need of renovation. During the next eight years several new rooms were added, the building was re-roofed and photovoltaic cells were installed, enabling the building to generate its own electricity.

The Prince and The Duchess were taken on a tour of the building and met many of the local groups involved, ranging from the Scout group to a local historical society.

Their Royal Highnesses enjoyed tea and cakes and a quick chat with members of the RAF Association before formally unveiling a plaque commemorating their visit.

The Prince of Wales told guests: “I think it is a remarkable achievement, if I may say so, that you have all managed to bring this marvellous hall back to life.

“I do congratulate all those involved for the huge effort you have all made. I can see the Jubilee Institute is a very important centre of community life for the people of Rothbury and Coquetdale.”

Before The Prince and The Duchess left Rothbury, they had a quick tour of a local butcher, Rothbury Family Butchers, and were presented with a selection of meats by owner Morris Adamson.

Yesterday Their Royal Highnesses spent a day in Tyneside.

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