Sussex memories of Princess Margaret

THE untimely death of Princess Margaret has saddened many people across the United Kingdom, but one charity in Crowborough was particularly touched by the news.

The Horder Centre for Arthritis in St John's Road has had a long and close relationship with the Princess, stretching back more than 40 years.

Princess Margaret became president of the centre in 1960. She retained that role until her death, aged 71, on Saturday. During that time she visited the centre no less than 11 times the last occasion being October 2000 and became a popular figure with residents and staff alike.

The charity's chief executive, Diane Thomas, said: 'The Horder Centre's committee of management, plus staff, residents and patients, are deeply saddened by the passing away of Princess Margaret.

'The Princess took a very keen interest in the centre, up until recent times. She was a wonderful president in that she actually spent time talking to all of our residents and staff. The Princess wasn't an 'absent' president she took an interest in the centre. She will be sorely missed.'

Princess Margaret also visited Uckfield in May 1994 to officially open the town's Community Hospital. One staff member who remembers meeting her is Sister Sue Adams.

She said: 'I hadn't been briefed that I would be talking to her, but she came to me and said "I would like you to show me round your ward please". I didn't have time to think about it.

'I was struck by how much smaller she was than me. But she was immaculately dressed and she had very striking, beautiful eyes.'

Sue, who is now a senior clinical sister, said the Princess showed a lot of interest in the hospital, its patients and staff. 'She appeared very genuine,' she said. 'It was a delight talking to her.'