HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits The Hospital of St John, Heytesbury.

31st May 2022 – There was much anticipation on the day of The Royal visit to The Hospital of St John in Heytesbury.

The sun shone brightly and the gardens looked wonderful. Preparations had been underway for 6 months, including the creation of a commemorative anniversary plaque which is displayed on a newly built circular bench that surrounds an ancient lime tree in the back garden where residents can meet and relax over a cup of tea.



A special chapel service started the celebrations before The Royal arrival and the chapel was filled with the beautiful aroma of fresh-cut lilies.

On his arrival, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was saluted by two Lord-Lieutenant Cadets at the main gateway entrance of The Hospital of St John and then welcomed by an array of local dignitaries, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton.

They included The Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Chris Robbins and Deputy Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Phil Keeble, The Chairman of Heytesbury, Imber and Knook Parish Council, Mrs Vanessa Sturmey, The Chief Constable, Mr Keir Pritchard, Mr Nick Phillips, Chief Executive, The Almshouse Association and Mr Tim Etchells, Chairman of Trustees, The Hospital of St John and Paul Budd, OBE, Administrator, The Hospital of St John. Lord Heytesbury, Patron of the Hospital of St John, Canon Chancellor, Ed Probert and Revd Robin Hungerford, Trustee were also in attendance.  

Residents enjoyed meeting HRH The Duke of Gloucester during a private tea party where conversations were joyful and lots of reminiscing took place. Twins Muriel and Maureen took centre stage along with Elizabeth, the oldest resident and Rodney. 

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association said,

“We were delighted our Royal Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was part of this very special occasion. We are always pleased to support our Members to include our Royal Patron’s in their celebrations, where possible. The day was uplifting and was a boost for the almshouse movement.”

Special thanks to Paul Budd OBE, Mike and Helen, and The Lord Lieutenant’s Office for helping to organise such a wonderful event.

posted 7 June 22