Princess visits Gifford House

WAR veterans and staff at Worthing's Gifford House beamed with delight on Tuesday when they welcomed their new patron, HRH Princess Alexandra.

This was Princess Alexandra's first visit to the hospital home for former servicemen, situated in Boundary Road, Heene, since becoming its patron following the death of the Queen Mother.

Earlier in the day, she had officially opened the Chestnut Tree House children's hospice near Angmering (See Page 4). Princess Alexandra was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Hugh Wyatt, High Sheriff of West Sussex, Major Mark Scrase-Dickins, Worthing mayor James Doyle, Worthing council chief executive, Sheryl Grady, and the home's chairman, Rear Admiral Richard Irwin.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dressed in a long, pale blue jacket, matching hat and gloves, the princess was then introduced to the home's chief executive, John Paxman, before being taken inside to look at plans to extend the home.

In Lavinia Wing, she met staff and residents George Nash, John Hawkridge, Jim Crouch and Bill Spooner.

The princess asked the men if the food was good and whether they got a choice. Jokingly, they said: "Yes, it's very good. Do we get a choice? You either take it or leave it!"

She was then taken to the Elizabeth Wing and introduced to more staff and governors Judith Buckland and David Jones, along with residents Stan Manning, Carl Grosvenor, Bill Manning, Jim Mills, Douglas Kirby, John Knight and Bernard West.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Next it was to the day room, where she met more staff and residents, including Abe Gillham and John Lee.

Gifford House's oldest resident, 103-year-old Harry Newcombe, made the princess laugh when he said: "I'm 103 years old now and getting on a bit."

Finally, she visited the chapel and hydro pool.

Before being waved off from Gifford House, the princess was presented with a bouquet of flowers by resident Philip Wadsworth.