Royal visits of Prince (now King) Charles to RAC/RAU

raulibrary

Apr 28

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) (now King) became President in 1982 and visited the RAC/RAU on a few occasions.

We have been through our archives and wanted to share these memories of some of his trips to the University campus.

1989

In Summer 1989 Prince Charles, visited students at work in the labs, drawing offices, library, lecture rooms and attended a seminar on Land Management Research and Organic Farming. Vic Hughes Vice RAC Principal was in attendance.

1995

October 1995 Prince Charles gave the first degrees at 150th Anniversary Convocation.

The convocation was the first at which the college had been able to present its own degrees and to mark the occasion new degree regalia was on show for the first time with black, burgundy and gold gowns worn by students, lecturers and governors as well as the Prince. A total of 270 graduates received their awards from the Prince of Wales and 63 received special prizes sponsored by industry, professional bodies and the College. A sterling silver ceremonial mace was also carried for the first time.

The College Principal Arthur Jones said "the College was the only agricultural college in Britain to award its own degrees"Prince Charles was always a strong advocate of organic farming and he urged the graduates to stand back and take a long-term view of things in this world. He said: "however much you have learned about hi-tech and intensive farming methods, not to neglect or dismiss out of hand some of the traditional farming practices that had evolved over the centuries." He asked them not only to think of food production but of the landscape and wildlife as well.

2013

On Thursday 25^th July 2013 HRH opened Kemble station garden- renovated by RAU students. The project gave the garden at the station a new lease of life and enabled the students to use their land-based skills to give something back to the local community. RAU students managed the planting, maintenance and the building of a dry-stone wall to renovate the previously derelict garden.

Sarah Tennant- Bell (Student Liaison Officer) said: "I'm so proud of all that the students have achieved at Kemble Station Garden, and so excited to share this with HRH The Prince of Wales. The students have done a fantastic job in redeveloping the garden, and have been able to put their certificate in dry-stone walling from the RAU Rural Skills Centre into practice!

A press cutting from Wilt & Glos Standard, 28 Nov 2013 reported that Prince Charles visited the Royal Agricultural University's Rural Innovation Centre at Harnhill.

HRH met with staff and students and learn about the practical activities and workshops held at the Rural Innovation Centre.

The RAU Rural Innovation Centre was an important development for the agricultural sector. It enabled the sharing of cutting-edge knowledge between those involved in agricultural production and those undertaking applied research, enabling the promotion of education, innovation and knowledge exchange in the 'field'.

As a 'knowledge hub', the Rural Innovation Centre still provides a major on-farm resource for the wider rural sector and the local community and includes classrooms, offices, a demonstration area, community space, and meeting rooms.

RAU Principal, Professor Chris Gaskell CBE, said: 'The ambitions for the Rural Innovation Centre underpin the Royal Agricultural University's goal to play a role in meeting the challenges of sustainably feeding a growing global population whilst stimulating growth, diverse employment opportunities, and economic activity in rural areas.'

During his visit, HRH met some of the beneficiaries of the scheme including Harry May who was taking part in a taster day learning blacksmithing and iron work, dry stone walling and hurdle making.

Harry Mary said: "I am really pleased to be learning a variety of useful skills, once I have completed the training programme I hope that I will get a job in my local area. It's great that places like this exist as I didn't have the qualifications to go to university but this way I can still gain valuable experience relevant to the local job market".

HRH also took the time to speak to some members of the RAU Students' Union, who have chosen the Prince's Countryside Fund as one of their RAG (Raising and Giving) charities for the year. The Prince was interested to learn about the various activities the degree students are planning in order to fundraise for the charity, which gives grants to projects that help support the people who care for the countryside.

Before departing, HRH laid a commemorative stone within a Cotswold stone wall being constructed as part of the day's activities.

Amongst items on display in the Library are colour photographs, newspapers, newsletters and the Prince Charles's signature from the visitors book.