14th October, 2011
The Duke of York visits Tyne and Wear
The Duke of York visited Tyne and Wear on 14th October, 2011 to help support the community and celebrate the region’s successes. The North East area holds historic links to industry and manufacturing and as such, was a particular focus for the visit.
South Tyneside College is one of the leading Colleges in the area and a centre for delivering world class maritime training to students. The College was founded in 1861 and celebrated their 150th Anniversary. His Royal Highness received a briefing on the current activities of the College and was able to visit their stunning new training facilities.
EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation invited The Duke of York to open their new office in the North East. EEF promotes and assists SMEs in a range of capacities. His Royal Highness took part in a roundtable discussion with a number of small and large businesses to discuss their concerns and needs in terms of support. Manufacturing is responsible for 55% of UK Exports and therefore The Duke of York was keen to hear what contributions can be made to develop this industry, with a particular focus on the Tyneside region.
UK Land Estates, a North East property investment and development company, invited His Royal Highness to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Team Valley. UK Land Estates is a successful British company seeking to employ further investment into their infrastructure. The Duke of York met with a number of employees and business leaders and was briefed on current property landscape in the UK and North East region.
His Royal Highness was then joined by Princess Eugenie of York and visited The Community Foundation at the Newburn Activities Centre. The Foundation was founded in 1988 and is a support network for charitable causes and schemes in the North East. Their Royal Highnesses received a briefing on the work of the Foundation and were then able to meet a number Community Foundation funded projects and volunteers.
The Duke of York and Princess Eugenie later visited York Minster Stoneyard, where masons, carvers and carpenters work to restore York Minster (Cathedral). The Stoneyard runs an excellent apprenticeship programme and Their Royal Highnesses were briefed on the current activities of the Stoneyard and the development of this programme as well as being introduced to current apprentices.
Later, The Duke of York and Princess Eugenie opened the offices of BBC Radio York following an extensive refurbishment programme. Their Royal Highnesses were escorted on a tour of the state of the art facilities, introduced to current members of BBC Radio York and briefed on current activities. The Duke of York and Princess Eugenie unveiled a plaque to open the facility before taking part in an interview in the BBC Radio York studio.
