Limavady welcomes The King and Queen as they visit local family business and Roe Valley Arts Centre

Their Majesties The King and Queen arrived in Causeway Coast and Glens today as part of a series of visits to Limavady.

On arrival The King and Queen were greeted by Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar OBE, Gregory Campbell MP and Council’s Chief Executive David Jackson.

The first stop saw The King and Queen visit 200-year-old local family business Hunters Bakery where they were met by Directors of the business David and Shaun Hunter; The King and Queen were also introduced to David and Shaun’s mother Mrs Noreen Brown and Aunt Mrs Elizabeth Hassan who both worked in the bakery in their younger years.

The bakery was established in the early 1800’s, and during the visit The King and Queen were treated to a baking demonstration of a ‘Hunters crumpet’.

As Their Majesties made their way to Roe Valley Arts Centre, well-wishers lined Market Street to catch a glimpse of The King and Queen

The team at Roe Valley Arts Centre were delighted to meet Their Majesties who were welcomed by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tanya Stirling, Deputy Lieutenant Mr Ross Wilson BEM, and Council’s L&D Director Pat Mulvenna.

The King and Queen were then greeted by Arts Service Development Manager, Desima Connolly who presented 4 local creatives. Renowned Ceramicist Adam Frew and Willow Artist Louise McLean both demonstrated their creative skills with Adam hand painting some of his acclaimed pottery, while Louise showcased the making of straw bee keeping skeps.

Their Majesties then met with photographer Cathal McNaughton who was previously awarded Royal Photographer of the Year and the Pulitzer Prize for Photography. While glass artist Andrea Spence, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust Award in 2022 also showcased her outstanding creations.

The visit to Roe Valley Arts Centre continued as the young winners of the John Steinbeck book cover exhibition were introduced to The King and Queen by Council’s Head of Community and Culture Julie Welsh alongside Steinbeck Festival Director Douglas Bartlett.

Over 20 pupils from local schools had their winning designs displayed in the foyer of the Arts Centre and the children and teachers were delighted to meet The King and Queen and chat to them about their winning designs.

As Their Majesties departed local orchestra Conductology prepared to play the Londonderry Air in Drumceatt Square.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens said: “The visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Limavady today was an important opportunity to be able to showcase family business Hunters Bakery, local creatives Andrea, Cathal, Louise and Adam and of course our Arts Centre and the children who recently won the recent Steinbeck book cover competition.

“Well done to everyone involved in showing off what Limavady and the wider council area has to offer.”

Deputy Mayor Councillor Tanya Stirling added: “It was an honour to welcome Their Majesties to Causeway Coast and Glens and most especially to Limavady.

“Limavady town centre is packed with small local businesses, and it was fantastic to show how our community supports the town, we were also delighted to have Conductology Orchestra perform for the Royal Couple in Drumceatt Square as they finished their visit today.”