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Earl Of Wessex Visits Independent Arts

Photo Credit: Julian Winslow.

Volunteers, staff and artists welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex to Newport's Independent Arts Creative Hub yesterday (Tuesday).

The visit was arranged by Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex met a range of organisations that have worked tirelessly to support islanders through the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the hour-long visit to the arts for wellbeing charity, The Earl, a longstanding supporter of the arts, joined in with a demonstration of therapeutic singing for breathing.

The following photos were taken by Julian Winslow:

The Earl heard about arts for wellbeing projects supporting young people and families across the Island, with a display of artworks from the Saturday Picture Play sessions, and by teenagers attending the Creative Hub to support their mental health.

In addition, volunteers and participants from the weekly Creative Café group chatted to HRH as they stitched Jubilee bunting.

Wendy Varley, chair of trustees, said of the visit:

“It was a privilege to be able to show The Earl of Wessex how Independent Arts makes a difference to people’s lives here on the Island."

Local weekly participant at the charity, Margaret Loveridge, who showed The Earl how to sew the bunting, added:

“It was an honour to be part of the visit today, Independent Arts has given me so much, coming to their projects has helped me get my life back.

"The whole experience has been magical. It was my pleasure to represent the work of Independent Arts”

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