Royal Visit

Last week we had a visit from The Prince and Princess of Wales as part of their St David’s Day celebrations. They were so kind, patient, generous and friendly, spending time with our team (staff and volunteers), local families, and Welsh learners, and in the Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award, Engage visual art exhibition, with her sister Veronica.

At Oriel Davies, they learnt about a community arts project supporting children and young people’s wellbeing. “It’s amazing what’s happening here,” Catherine told the families. “It must be such a lovely way to make friends and share stories.” The initiative has brought together local families, including those from Syrian and Afghan refugee backgrounds, for regular creative workshops led by artist Nicky Arscott.

There was a lot of interest by the couple in the Welsh ceramic makers in our shop, Welsh produce in our cafe and in our CELF exhibition of women artists from Wales. William liked hearing about the range of work that we show, from the 850 works by local artists in our last exhibition, to our current exhibition featuring works by Shani Rhys James, Sue Hunt, Jeanette Orrell, Eleri Mills, Catrin Davies, Ann Thomas and Anya Paintsil.