Island organisations to receive awards from Duke of Kent

This in from the council, in their own words. Ed


His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent is to visit the Isle of Wight on Wednesday 17 September 2014.

Queen’s Award for IFPL
He will visit IFPL near Calbourne, an international product development company which Duke of Kent specialises in tailored engineering solutions for the global in-flight entertainment industry.

The Duke of Kent will present the company with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, which was awarded to the company in April this year.

Queen’s Award for Isle of Wight Society for the Blind
The Duke of Kent will also visit the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind where he will present the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award recognises the dedication of the charity’s volunteers who undertake a range of activities to benefit blind and visually impaired people on the Island. These include home visiting and befriending, social and activities groups, a weekly talking newspaper and an audio library.

Visit to Carisbrooke Castle
During the afternoon, the Duke of Kent is to visit Carisbrooke Castle where he will receive a tour of the historic site by representatives from English Heritage. The Duke will also tour Carisbrooke Castle Museum with its manager. The museum was founded in 1898 by Princess Beatrice in memory of her husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg, it is now an independent charitable trust.

Visit to County Press offices
Finally, His Royal Highness will visit the Isle of Wight County Press, the Island’s weekly newspaper. The paper has remained in independent ownership since it was established 130 years ago, with members of the Brannon and Bradbeer families sitting on the board of directors throughout that time.

The Duke of Kent will meet representatives from both families along with the team of staff responsible for compiling the newspaper each week.

Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP, said:

“It is wonderful that His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent is to present two Queen’s Awards to local organisations. It is a great opportunity to highlight the outstanding work that takes place on the Isle of Wight – both in business and the voluntary sector. I am very much looking forward to welcoming the Duke back to the Island.”

Image: Allen Warrenunder CC BY 2.0