Friday 11th September 2009

VISIT OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE PRINCESS ROYAL, TO CUMBRIA, TO THE INTERNATIONAL SHEEP DOG TRIALS AT LOWTHER, PENRITH, CUMBRIA

A most splendid summer's day held at a most stunning venue.

I arrived as requested at about 12.30pm and met The Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Mr Roger Bingham, The Corporate Director, Organisational Development of Cumbria County Council, Mr Jim Savage,The Chairman, Eden District Council, Councillor Malcolm Smith and Mrs Patricia Smith, and The Chief Executive of the International Sheep Dog Society, Mr Norman Lorton. We were served with a buffet lunch whilst waiting for HRH. She arrived at about 1.15pm

Mr Lorton explained a little of the background to The International Sheepdog Society, which I believe goes back to the early 19th Century.

Caroline, The Dowager Countess of Lonsdale, who is President of The International Sheepdog Society, was also present.

We were presented to HRH by The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, after which she was escorted by The Chief Executive of The Society and presented to The Presidents of The English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Sheep Dog Societies, as well as The Solicitor to the International Sheep Dog Society.

After this HRH was escorted by The Chief Executive and The Sporting Events Organiser from the marquee to the Grandstand, to watch the Trial in progress, and to meet with some of the competitors. We were fortunate to join her and watch the Trials, after which we followed her as she looked around the various Trade Stands. She was due to leave at 14.05, but she was obviously enjoying her afternoon and did not leave until after 3.00pm.