Below is a Press Release written by Paul Laffey of Burton and District YMCA, which has been approved by the Royal Press Office to be released...
Ben Robinson, MBE DL and Burton & District YMCA President, joined local brewery representatives, town businesses and charity leaders in meeting King Charles III during his visit to Burton recently.
To begin his first official visit to Staffordshire since being crowned Monarch, the King visited JCB in Uttoxeter, to mark the company’s 80th anniversary before travelling to Burton.
During his visit to Burton, his Majesty received a tour around Tower Brewery by owner John Mills, hearing about the history of the building and how they produce beer. He was then given a talk about the town's brewing heritage by DR Harry White, Chair of the National Brewing Heritage Centre, followed by a reception celebrating Burton’s local businesses and charities.
Ben Robinson commented, “As Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, President of YMCA Burton and Chair of many other community groups, I was delighted to invite local Charity Leaders to join me on Monday to meet King Charles the Third when he visited Burton upon Trent.
The King’s visit was a wonderful opportunity for the Charities to discuss their vital work in our community and the challenges they are facing. The King took the time to talk to each representative and was particularly interested in the contribution made by the many volunteers who support the charities on a daily basis.
The visit to our town was an incredibly important one and it was very humbling to be able to share this moment with so many.
Burton & District YMCA’s Chief Executive, Paul Laffey said, “It was a tremendous honour to meet King Charles, with a number of colleagues delivering vital services in East Staffordshire. The King spoke to me about volunteering and fundraising, two import elements for most Charities to operate. He was very interested in understanding what the YMCA and each Charity delivers and the needs of the Town and surrounding areas. I would like to thank Ben Robinson, the YMCA President, for inviting so many Charity Leaders with myself to such a prestigious event and for showcasing the community work of our Town to the King.”
When asked what meeting the King meant to other local charities, Lynne Barrell, Chief Officer of Burton Mind said “Our charities meeting with the King was a huge honour and a great moral booster for Burton and District Mind. It was lovely to be recognised for the work we do in the community, and great that His Majesty made special mention of the work of our volunteers and sent them his best wishes.”
It was great to welcome the King to Burton to showcase what a great town and community we have.
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