LEYTON: Camilla visits Score centre

1:24pm Tuesday 29th January 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

HRH Duchess of Cornwall visited Leyton to see at first hand the work being done to improve the health and well-being of young people.

The wife of Prince Charles dropped in to the Score Centre, in Oliver Road, this morning to meet the people behind the Leyton Orient Community Sports Project, the Positive Mental Attitude football league and the centre's partnership with the University of East London (UEL).

Camilla was greeted by Deputy Lieutenant Major Jeremy Fern, the Queen's representative in Waltham Forest, who introduced her to local dignitaries, including mayor Liaquat Ali and council leader Clyde Loakes.

HRH then entered the centre's vast sports hall, which is used by local schools on a daily basis, where children from Winns Primary, Riverley Primary, St Bonaventure's Catholic Primary and the Score-based Nappy club nursery were enjoying a variety of activities.

The Duchess of Cornwall was relaxed as she chatted and had photos taken with the children, teachers, coaches and volunteers.

As HRH looked on, Riverley pupils played a game called Fives, which involved two players competing by rebounding a tennis ball against a wall in a small court.

She later handed out medals to children who had performed particularly well.

Ragini Hildreth, a teacher at Riverley Primary, which is close to Score in Park Road, said the facilities and coaches at the centre are an invaluable resource for the school.

"The children come here regularly and people come from here to work with the children at the school. They have enjoyed today - it is amazing for the children and helps them build character.

"The centre is so close, we can walk here in ten minutes. It is really handy and makes a real difference."

Neil Taylor, chief executive of the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme, said: "I would like to thank everybody who has made today such a success - the children, sports leaders, business leaders and, most of all, the duchess.

"I would like to thank her very much for coming here and giving us the chance to show what we do with the community and what we can do if we keep building on our success."

"It is great to have a visit by such a person who is prepared to come and see our work and support what we do."