IT was no ordinary Monday for Exeter city centre as it welcomed one very special visitor to its streets. Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau was one of many organisations in Exeter to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, when she opened the bureau's new offices in Dix's Field today.
The Princess Royal, who is Patron of Citizens Advice, was introduced to members of paid staff and volunteers when she was shown around by bureau Chief Executive Steve Barriball. She also met Exeter CAB chair Dennis Mardon during her visit.
Mr Mardon said: "We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to our new offices. Our volunteers and paid staff work very hard and it was wonderful to be able to show her the work we do here. She took a great interest in what we are doing and we are very grateful for her support.
"Last year we helped more than 16,000 clients in the Exeter area deal with their problems. This relocation has been a major step forward in confirming the bureau as one of the key support organisations for Exeter and the surrounding area."
During her visit Princess Anne observed volunteers in action. She also met Sarah Piercy, who was born with the congenital disorder, Arthogryposi, which causes muscle weakness. The 34 year old, who is in a wheelchair and is an athlete competing in her tenth London Marathon, said:
"I first came for advice on my benefits; they helped to make things clearer and helped me to understand the computer system. It is a great service and has been really helpful to me. She was really interested in the work of the bureau and the help that I had received."
The Princess Royal also paid a visit to Newton Abbot to help celebrate the transformation of services designed to empower people with learning disabilities and increase their level of independence and access to community life.
