The Duchess of Cornwall visits newest Emmaus Community
On 13th December, The Duchess of Cornwall, Royal Patron of Emmaus visited the recently opened Community in West Norwood to welcome the first Companions.
When she arrived at Emmaus South Lambeth, The Duchess was greeted by Emmaus President Terry Waite and led into Bobby Vincent house to chat and have tea with Companions. She also talked to trustees, volunteers and other key people about what they had contributed towards making Emmaus South Lambeth a reality.
Elizabeth, a Companion at the Community, said: "I never imagined that I would be homeless, but neither did I imagine I would ever meet the Duchess...I have learnt in life that absolutely anything can happen."
After signing the visitor’s book and unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit, The Duchess popped into the Emmaus Shops on the High Street and purchased a thesaurus and two vases.
The new Companions at Emmaus South Lambeth are at present working hard in the two shops and the superstore alongside the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the building of the Community. Plans are in place to build a workshop, enabling the Community to further increase their business capabilities.
The Duchess of Cornwall became Royal Patron of Emmaus UK in 2006. The visit to Emmaus South Lambeth was her second to an Emmaus Community; in December 2006 she visited Emmaus Bristol to meet the residents there and see their work.
On becoming Royal Patron, she said:
"I was delighted and honored to be asked to become Patron of Emmaus UK and it gave me the greatest pleasure to accept. I have been deeply impressed by what I have heard of the work of the charity, and the opportunities it gives to those who have lost so much to re-build their lives and regain their dignity and self-respect."
Published on 17th December, 2007
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