Prince in surprise visit to Dumfries tea dance
Sarah Jane McDonald A secret royal visit took Ayrshire community groups by surprise as Prince Charles appeared at the Dumfries House Christmas Tea Dance, joined by Santa.
Hundreds of stunned visitors were greeted by the Duke of Rothesay in the Cumnock estate pavilion during the festive afternoon which was organised by Dumfries House staff and East Ayrshire Council.
The annual tea dance began last year and is part of the Dumfries House Integrated Health Initiative which works in tandem with East Ayrshire Councils Vibrant Communities Group to tackle isolation of the elderly and those with living within supported accommodation by hosting fun days out twice a month.
Visitors attending included residents at assisted the living complex, Afton Court in New Cumnock, and sheltered housing facility Rowantree Court in Drongan.
And some of the party- goers got lucky, getting a cuddle off the heir to the throne.
Shocked Mary Dornan, 80, from New Cumnock told the Post: “Did that just happen? I’m still in shock! What a lovely man and fantastic day out, thanks go to the hardworking Dumfries Estate staff and the organisers for putting together another successful day out.”
James McCulloch, 79, from New Cumnock said: “What a surprise it’s been for everyone here – he’s certainly put a smile on a fair few faces including my own.”
Grace Harrison, 94, from New Cumnock said: “I can die happy now! What a lovely man – I’ve had so much fun today, and I am feeling very Christmassy.”
Ada Kennedy, 84, from Mauchline said:” These events do so much good for people who don’t have the chance to attend events regularly and it means the world that the Prince thought to come along and greet us all.”
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Dumfries House, Carolyn Paton, said: “It was such a lovely day with a great turnout. I would like to give thanks to Patricia Harkness, Jean Gardiner and John Reid for all their hard work in making the tea dance so successful once again.
“The events staff here at Dumfries House under Louis McCallum and Sheila Gregory do a wonderful job in making the participants feel welcome, comfortable and attended to. Some of them even took to the dance- floor to join in the festivities.”