A signed photograph of Princess Diana – which was given to Babergh District Council on the royal’s visit in 1993 – has been presented to a Sudbury care home.
The photograph had previously hung in the council’s offices in Hadleigh but following the authority’s move to Endeavour House in Ipswich, it has now been passed to the William Wood House care home.
The Princess of Wales opened the School Street care home on her visit to the district in 1993, and a visitors book – also signed by Princess Diana – was also presented to the home by Babergh chairman Peter Burgoyne.
The presentation was made on Tuesday and was attended by Mr Burgoyne, Paul Kingston, Orwell Housing’s director of housing and care services, and Adele Brewer, scheme manager at William Wood House.
Mr Burgoyne said: “Even 24 years later, the visit of the Princess of Wales to our district is still a vivid memory for many in Babergh.
“Today was a perfect opportunity to remember her visit, and the compassion she showed to the very first residents of William Wood House Care Home, and I am very proud to be able to present this memento of that visit to today’s residents.”
Mr Kingston said: “There is a strong and emotional connection between William Wood House and the very popular Diana, Princess of Wales.
“The residents and staff of Orwell Housing are delighted to be receiving this memento as a further reminder of Diana, Princess of Wales’ visit all those years ago.”
The Care Home, built in what was previously Sudbury Boys Grammar School, is still operating and includes 30 self-contained one-bedroom apartments for those with unique care needs.
Babergh District Council paid the full capital cost of the buildings at their conversion, with Suffolk County Council paying for kitchen and laundry services.
Orwell Housing runs the care home, with funding from the residents and councils.
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