THE Stable Family Home Trust at Bisterne welcomed a special royal visitor today (Wednesday).

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex was greeted by an excited crowd of staff, service users and other invited guests at the charity’s residential home at The Stables, who were all eager to meet her.

During her visit she was given a tour of the garden and was able to chat with the charity’s trustees, staff, service users and volunteers involved with the area and also woodwork and pottery projects.

She was treated to a short performance of Love in the War in the dance studio and a demonstration of Makaton sign language.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: “We really appreciate that Her Royal Highness has taken the time out of her busy schedule to be with us. Our service users and the people we support are delighted to be able to her some of the things they do.”

The Stable Family Home Trust was established as a charity in 1980 by a group of families whose young people had learning disabilities. 

As there were few family-based living options at that time, the charity set up a residential home at The Stables.

Over the years demand for the service has grown and in addition to the accommodation on site at Bisterne, the charity now has three homes in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth providing residential accommodation for 33 people.

Day services also provides meaningful activities for 115 people each week and Domiciliary Care supports 22 people in their own homes.

The visit went down well with service users. Describing the visit Simon Frigot said: “It is very good. She was very kind.”

Before leaving Her Royal Highness signed the visitors' book and unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and receiving a special posy.