Horsfall House will always have a poignant place in the hearts of HRH Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.
The Princess Royal, who is patron of the Minchinhampton care facility, saw her beloved late mother-in-law, Barbara Alison Laurence, cared for at the home until her passing in 2019, aged 90.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the home, The Princess Royal, who lives at nearby Gatcombe Park, officially renamed the general unit to the Gatcombe Unit, in honour of her long standing connection to Horsfall House.
Pictures: Gill Thomas
Horsfall House spokesperson David Monument said: “Following the renaming ceremony, Princess Anne spent time visiting residents and clients, engaging in conversations and learning more about their experiences. Her visit brought great joy to both staff and residents, further strengthening the deep ties between the home and the local community.”
“We are incredibly proud to have reached this significant milestone,” said Nicola Priest, Operations Director at Horsfall House. “Our success over the past three decades would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the trust of our residents and their families, and the invaluable support of our volunteers. The royal visit by Princess Anne is a fitting tribute to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Since its establishment in 1994, Horsfall House has been a cornerstone of support in the Minchinhampton area and beyond, providing personalised care for those living with physical infirmities, dementia, and severe memory issues. Over the years, the not-for-profit organisation has expanded its services to include its Day Centre and Home Care service, as well as offering palliative care, respite, and short breaks, to meet the evolving needs of the local community.