Royal visitor opens new sensory garden

The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte Eva Henriksen, officially unveiled the new sensory garden at the Killadeas Day Centre in Enniskillen on Tuesday. The wife of the man twenty-forth in line to the throne opened the new feature as part of a two-day visit to Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

This brand new specially-designed area for adults with learning and physical difficulties was built at an estimated cost of £58'000 and features a sensory garden and unique recreational area.

It's been delivered in partnership by the Western Health and Social Care Board and the Enniskillen Rotary Club.

Her Royal Highness Duchess Birgitte was greeted at the Killadeas Day Centre in Enniskillen by the First Minister Arlene Foster, as well as out-going Western Trust Chairman Gerard Guckian CBE.

The Duchess also got to meet scores of service users from across the county of Fermanagh.

On-hand were representatives from other care centres, explaining the services provided across the district.

The Danish-born royal could be seen shaking hands with everyone in attendance, and was given a short tour.

Included in the newly expanded area (which was previously waste ground) are a set of especially designed swings for adults as well as other specialised outdoor leisure equipment.

A new garden has also been installed for growing vegetables and flowers - extra care was placed on allowing access to users of all abilities.  Many of the garden's flower beds, for example, are raised to accommodate wheelchair users. Spongier and softer ground has been installed in the play area.

The sensory garden and recreation area were designed and delivered all within a space of a few months.

“An outdoor area at Killadeas was once regarded by our service users and those that support them as a dream. Today I’m delighted to see their dreams become reality.  The newly refurbished outdoor area will be a tremendous asset to the Killadeas Centre and I would like to acknowledge Enniskillen Rotary for their massive contribution in making this possible,” said Trust chairman, Gerard Guckian at the event.

The President of Enniskillen Rotary Club, Ken Rainey described the project as "wonderful" and was sure it would be of great use for many years.

“We are pleased to be associated with this wonderful project and wish to thank all those who have supported us in the process. We trust that the facility will be of great benefit to the service users for years to come," he said.

The Killadeas Day Centre, was originally opened on this Lackaghboy site in 2001 to provide day care opportunities for people with physical and learning disabilities in the Enniskillen area.  Killadeas Day Care has now grown to include eight programmes of care and opportunities throughout Fermanagh run by the Western Trust.