It was another of Incredible Edible’s touched by magic events. The weather forecasters had predicted wind and rain to accompany the visit, but on the day itself, the sun shone brightly and dutifully when HRH Prince Charles came to Todmorden.
Todmorden Station was positively gleaming as The Royal Train running on biodiesel pulled into platform one at Todmorden station. A large crowd of well-wishers waited for the first glimpse of HRH.
There was a ripple of excitement and anticipation, and then the cheers began as Mary Clear greeted HRH. The Royal visit to Todmorden was off to a brilliant and memorable start.
Mary accompanied HRH Into the train station’s car park which was full of people eager to create some special memories that day. Mary managed to find a way through to the station growing beds, where HRH met the Incredible FJF team.
It was certainly an incredible day for Incredible volunteer Ben, who spoke to HRH about the work being carried out by the team.
HRH and the Incredible team made their way to the town’s famous market, where Mary pinned an I Love Tod badge to the jacket of HRH. There were smiles all round! Marrows were discussed in depth, with HRH being show some of the area’s famous agricultural produce.
HRH made his way around the Market Hall, spending time with many of the stall holders there, among them Jean Heartly of Crumbly Cheese, sampling some of Carl’s Pexommier cheese, one of many cheeses on sale that day at the Crumbly Cheese stall.
From there, everyone made their way to the theatre, which was followed by a visit to the Food for Life bus. An impromptu cooking lesson saw HRH whip up a rather tasty looking samosa. A visit to the Health Centre was next on the itinerary, where HRH spent time chatting with staff in the Incredible garden.
It was certainly a memorable day for Helena, after HRH made his way over to shake her hand! Helena and Nick went out to share some humorous tales with HRH.
From there, HRH and a thrilled crowd proceeded to the towpath of the Rochdale Canal, a waterway that is at the heart of Todmorden. Everyone walked along the canal, stopping at the accidental garden near the horse tunnel, where HRH chatted to Linda and Estelle. The team chatted to HRH about the contents of the Incredible bag of veg, which interested him greatly. And with a right Royal from HRH, he bade the assembled well-wishers a fond farewell.
