Thame care home welcomes royal visitor

HRH The Duke of Kent KG met residents of the newly built Meadowcroft home for Thame’s elderly earlier today.

The Duke toured Meadowcroft and met some of the residents, including one of Thame’s best known characters, 96 year-old Arthur Staggs and Mr and Mrs Stephens, well-known in Shabbington where they ran the village post office for many years.

Before unveiling a plaque commemorating his visit, The Duke was shown around the building by the Home Manager, Mrs Sylvia Cann and representatives of The Orders of St John Care Trust, who run Meadowcroft. He was able to see the work of the Little Milton specialist Residential Dementia Care wing and the Rycote Nursing Wing, as well as seeing for himself the comfortable new bedrooms, lounge and dining room.

Before the Duke and guests were invited to partake of a splendid buffet lunch, provided by the Oxford Catering Company, resident Mrs Barbara Cox, presented the duke with a bottle of Champagne.

Once the formalities were over, the official guests mingled and chatted with residents, an opportunity for the Mayor, Cllr Matelot Green, who is half french, to chat – in French – to Arthur Staggs, whose mother was French, and who proudly wore his L