The Countess of Wessex visits Oxfordshire

The Countess of Wessex joined Charlbury Pre-school children for their rhyme time lesson in the town’s library, during her wider tour of Oxfordshire on Tuesday 17 May.

 Oxfordshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Marjorie Glasgow, said: “It was wonderful to welcome The Countess of Wessex to Oxfordshire. She got to see much of the county.

 “At Shrivenham she opened the Royal Army Chaplain’s Museum, which tells the story of chaplaincy in the British Army. At Charlbury she saw the new community centre and The Cornerstone, which has done an extraordinary job of continuing the strong volunteer work started during the pandemic.

 “Finally, in east Oxford she met people who are working together to make an enduring, positive impact on their community.”

It was here, at Blackbird Leys Community Centre, that The Countess visited the Community Impact Zone where she thanked staff, volunteers and organisations who contribute to the scheme. 

 The Community Impact Zone is an award-winning partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police to improve collaboration across services, work more effectively with residents and increase the resources and opportunities available in communities. The partnership is coordinated by Oxford Hub, a local charity focusing on supporting everyone to use their energy and skills to build a better city. 

 Sara Fernandez, Chief Executive of Oxford Hub, said: “We were delighted that The Countess chose to visit the Community Impact Zone and her interest in the collaboration is a testament to the inspiring work that residents, volunteers and staff are doing every day to make the Leys better for everyone.”

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