King Charles III confers city status on Dunfermline ‘It was something I will never forget’
REPRESENTATIVES from community groups and clubs from across West Fife got to speak about their efforts to King Charles and the Queen Consort.
Multi-faith groups, charities, environmental and sporting organisations were just some of the fields represented in Dunfermline Abbey nave.
Their Majesties stopped and chatted to representatives after they had gone to view the burial place of Robert the Bruce.
One of those in attendance was Dunfermline Foodbank project manager Sandra Beveridge, who said it was a morning she would never forget. “It was lovely,” she said. “I was there on behalf of the Dunfermline Poverty Action Group There was six of us there and from all different organisations.
“We were introduced to the Queen Consort and she did ask me about the foodbank and she asked if it was busy and was it well used. I told her yes and we were expecting a very busy winter and she expressed her sorrow for that. She was genuinely concerned about the amount of people having to use the foodbank, particularly this winter coming.
“It was an honour to be invited. They spoke to every group in the nave of the Abbey. It was something I will never forget. Once they had signed the visitors book, we all got to sign it as well. It will be there for history.”
Martin Willcocks, from the Save the Calais Woods group, met King Charles while representing the Dunfermline Green Space group which is soon to be established as a charity to enhance the city’s green network.
“It was a great platform to meet the king,” he said.
“I just gave him a wee brief on what we are hoping to achieve. It was a good boost for our group. It was great that all community groups are getting recognised for what they do.
“We got a couple of minutes with the king but it is the acknowledgement more than anything.
“It was a great wee boost for our community.”