GRASS clippings whipped up like a green sandstorm under the whirring blades of a gleaming helicopter heralded the arrival of Prince Charles in Princetown last Wednesday. The Prince, on the final engagement of a two-day stay in Devon and Cornwall, was greeted by excited children from Princetown Primary School, who were lined up on the village sports field. Chatting to the children about football, the Prince asked the youngsters what they thought England?s chances were in the World Cup. ?We will all keep our fingers crossed,? the Prince promised. Princetown teacher Bex Creasey said the 36 children were ?very excited? to have the opportunity to meet the future king. ?It?s good they can develop an awareness of royalty ? and they had a lovely conversation about the World Cup!? she said. Prince Charles was introduced to Cllr Peter Hill, mayor of West Devon and other civic dignitaries before viewing plans for the redevelopment of the crumbling village scout hut to a dedicated youth facility and a new community centre. Gerri Laithwaite of Westden, who is involved in the youth centre proposals, said the Prince was ?very interested? in the plans. ?They dove-tail in exactly with what the Prince?s Trust is doing ? he seemed quite impressed,? she said. Followed by a posse of suited, shades-toting body guards, Prince Charles chatted with the crowds who lined the streets of the village. Daytrippers, visiting Princetown by coach, were delighted to have a surprise chat with the royal visitor, while a Japanese tourist, sporting a larger camera lens than any of the hovering press pack, grinned from ear to ear as he eagerly snapped souvenir shots. Princetown resident Hilary Trimble, with her two Belgian Shepherd dogs, Leah and Sapphy, spoke to Prince Charles. ?He stroked the dogs and said how well behaved they were,? said Hilary. The Prince popped into the Post Office, which has been completely refurbished during the last few years and now sells a wide range of locally produced food in addition to providing an important village service. Postmaster Paul Turnbull said: ?He was very interested in the local produce we sell, particularly the beef, which is from Pizwell Farm. ?He also went behind the post office counter and sold a stamp ? first class!? During his Princetown visit, Prince Charles also heard about plans to create an arts and crafts centre at Morwenna House, comprising a gallery and exhibition space, workshops and a dedicated teaching studio. The royal visitor concluded his day in Princetown at the Plume of Feathers, where he pulled a pint of locally-brewed Jail Ale and chatted to locals, before a private meeting with Duchy of Cornwall farmers.
