Royal return as Princess Anne goes back to riding centre she opened in 70s
Princess Anne made a return visit to a Wearside riding centre yesterday – almost 40 years after opening it.
The Princess Royal was on Wearside as part of the buildup to the Tall Ships Races’ visit to Sunderland in two years’ time.
One of the places she visited was Washington Riding Centre, based on Stephenson Road.
The centre provides about 130 children and adults with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties with riding lessons every week.
It was opened by Princess Anne in 1977, and yesterday, she officially opened a new stable block at the centre, which has been nicknamed ‘Pony Block’.
She also had a tour of the premises, watched three riding presentations and presented awards to some of the centre’s volunteers.
Eileen Curley, an administrator at the riding centre, said: “We had been looking forward to having Princess Anne here for some time.
“It was a great privilege to welcome her here, having first opened the centre in 1977.
“It was lovely for us to have the chance to show her how things have progressed, and all of the changes which have been made since then.”
Also in attendance were the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Coun Barry Curran and his wife Carol.
On the new build, Eileen added: “It was funded by Sport England, and is purpose-built with a classroom and demonstration area. “We’re delighted with it. “It opens up so many more opportunities for our riders to get up close and personal with the horses.
“There is so much more space and far better facilities for them.
“It was fantastic to be able to showcase it yesterday, and we’d like to thank all of the local businesses who supported us with volunteers and catering, as well as floral tributes.”