Suffolk Show welcomes Duke of Gloucester for royal visit

Thursday saw the Suffolk Show playing host to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Gloucester.

The Duke, who was first cousin to the late Elizabeth II, arrived at Trinity Park at 12.30pm.

He was welcomed by an entourage, which included Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Martin Seeley, and Tim Passmore, Suffolk police and crime commissioner.

Bishop Martin Seeley welcomes the Duke of Gloucester. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

After being whisked away for a spot of lunch, the Duke was taken on a whistle-stop tour of the show.

His first stop was a visit to Binder, a family-owned business now celebrating its 60th year. The business operates throughout East Anglia offering sales, installation, servicing and tankering of septic tanks, sewage treatment plants.

The Duke was introduced to Chairman and founder, Wally Binder.

“He was very interested, and asked all about various things,” said Mr Binder. “It was a pleasure to meet him.”

Mr Binder said that Binder has been coming to the Suffolk Show since 1970 but was delighted to win best stand for the first time this year.

Wally Binder shows the Duke around his stand. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The Duke’s next stop was the Normandy display, with this year being the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

He then went on to visit the team at St John’s Ambulance, where he congratulated Sandra Curd, who had just won a director’s recognition award for exceptional service.

Being congratulated by the Duke was, she said, a “true honour”.

“He was wonderful,” agreed Laura Wallace, chairman of the Suffolk arm of St John Ambulance. “He took such an interest, and spoke to all our volunteers.”

The Duke of Gloucester congratulates Laura Curd on her exceptional service. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)The Duke of Gloucester chats to volunteers from St John's Ambulance. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)The Duke of Gloucester visits the Normandy 80 stand at the Suffolk Show, this year being the 80th anniversary of D-Day. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The Duke then moved on to Fram Farmers Ltd Based in Framlingham - the business provides the purchasing, crop marketing and administrative function for more than 1,400 farming businesses across the UK.

The Duke, having a particular interest in farming, was keen to hear how the business supports farmers, explained regional director Zoe Leach.

“He takes such an interest. It was so nice that he took the time to come out to see us,” she said.

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