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Final Preparations are Underway for Friday’s Royal Visit
Tuesday 23rd September 2008
Staff at Freeman’s Quay are making final preparations to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and Britain’s most successful paralympian Dame Tanni Grey Thompson DBE on Friday. (26th September)
The revolutionary leisure complex will be officially
opened in the afternoon with Princess Anne unveiling a
plaque on the poolside at the close of a fun swimming
gala. During the tour Her Royal Highness and Dame Tanni
Grey Thompson will see the whole facility including
Durham's first 'Changing Place' for people with high
support needs, and an 'Active Adults' class in the
spectacular dance studio for adults with learning
disabilities. Students from Durham Gilesgate Sports
College and 6th Form Centre will host a number of events
in the multi use sports hall, and a special art display
will be on show in the exhibition area.
Her Royal Highness will then unveil artist Fenwick
Lawson's stunning bronze cast of The Journey and visit
the newly refurbished town hall, after which Dame Tanni
Grey Thompson will officially name the 'Lantern Room' in
the town hall.
The portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture is Coun. Sue
Pitts, 'I am absolutely delighted to welcome such very
special visitors to our beautiful city. It is lovely to
see three such wonderful contributions to the life of the
city having the recognition this Friday's visit marks.
'