The Princess Royal enjoyed a tour of the Den during her visit on Tuesday, March 3, where she was delighted to meet the unit's staff and many satisfied patients, parents and guardians.

Richard Gregory, hospital chairman, told Princess Anne: "This visit will always be very special because this centre is a significant development and we couldn't think of a nicer way for us to remember this day by having you here."

Young patients Ann Roe (2), of Brimington, and Dillon Woolley (3), of South Normanton, greeted Princess Anne with posies before she began her tour of the facility.

Dillon's mum Julie said: "Dillon has a weak heart, muscles and immune system but the Den has been absolutely brilliant and he's been so excited about meeting Princess Anne he's been asking every morning if today's the day."

Ann Roe's carers John and Margaret Roe told how she suffers with weight and eating problems but they described the centre's work as wonderful and revealed how Ann could not stop talking about meeting a princess in a tiara.

The Princess Royal toured the centre's therapy bounce room and nursery and mental health areas before unveiling a plaque in the foyer to mark her visit with delighted staff and dignitaries.

She was joined by Brimington Junior School pupil Liam Nutt during the unveiling after the nine-year-old won a competition to come up with the unit's name.

Princess Anne said: "It's nice to know it all works and the centre's so popular and it has a well-chosen title because this unit brings together an unusual group of people with similar interests in child services."

The three-storey facility, was launched in November, last year, and boasts physiotherapy, occupational therapy, school health nursing, speech and language therapy and mental health care.



Photo album of visit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Photo album of visit to John Smedley


The Princess Royal also visited the John Smedley knitwear factory to help celebrate the firm's 225th anniversary.

Her Royal Highness was in Lea in her official capacity as president of UK Fashion Exports and received a warm welcome from staff and community members as she took a tour of the building.

Ian Maclean, chairman and seventh generation family member of Smedley, greeted the Princess and his six-year-old daughter Miriam presented her with a posy

He said: "I can't imagine anybody else helping us to celebrate this. Every now and then we win an export award and she presents us with that. We have had a long relationship with her, she is a good supporter of ours."

After unveiling a plaque to mark the knitwear company's milestone, Her Royal Highness said: "This is not my first visit and I have to say it is a pleasure to return.

"You remain highly successful and very sought after what ever the conditions.

"I think the way you keep responding to challenges will ensure you see through more anniversary's yet."

The Lord Lietenenant of Derbyshire, John Bather, introduced Her Royal Highness to workers and excited pupils from Lea Primary School also greeted the royal visitor.

Jennifer Clark, who has worked at Smedley for 13 years, spoke to the Princess.

She said: "She asked me how long I've been here.
"I was a little bit nervous but she was very nice and interested in what I was doing."

The family run business employs 438 people – with some having been with the company for 50 years.

More anniversary celebrations are planned for June.