Despite the weather, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex received a warm welcome when he visited Fermanagh on Wednesday.

With the skies above Florencecourt and Belcoo never really knowing what they were going to do, it was the people that made the trip a worthwhile visit for Prince Edward.

First stop was Florencecourt House where the Prince enjoyed an introduction to the mansion, followed by a tour of the Kitchen Garden which is currently undergoing restoration and met with volunteers, staff and supporters of the conservation charity.

Jim Chestnutt, General Manager for Florencecourt paid tribute to the staff and volunteers and was delighted with the visit of the Earl of Wessex as recognition for their hard work.

“It is thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, who support the small team of staff dedicated to looking after this sustainable estate and gardens, that over 45,000 visitors a year can come and enjoy the history and heritage of Florence Court today.

“We simply couldn’t take care of all that we look after in Fermanagh without the help of volunteers and supporters from the local community, so I am delighted to see them recognised by Prince Edward here today.”

At the Cladagh Glen Scout Centre, Prince Edward was treated to an array of activities put on by Scouting NI.

Young people gave a number of demonstrations in bush craft, camping and pioneering. The Earl of Wessex even tried his hand at Tomahawk throwing.

Centre Manager Robin Ferguson said it was a privilege to have someone from the Royal family officially open the centre and a “great boost for scouting in Fermanagh”.

Engaging with whoever crossed his path, Prince Edward was at ease laughing and joking with young and old.

He then went on to unfurl the world scouting flag and officially open the new extension at the centre.

In Belcoo, HRH was in attendance as Lakeland Community Care celebrated its 25th anniversary at their building in the village.

Members past and present, along with groups that use the healthy living centre, giving Prince Edward an insight into the vital and rewarding work it carries out in the community.

Welcoming Prince Edward to Belcoo, Margaret Gallagher, a director of Lakeland Community Care said: “It is a tremendous honour for the directors and trustees of Lakeland Community Care together with our Chief Executive Pat McGurn to have his Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex here to celebrate with us 25 years of caring in the community based here in Belcoo.

“This enthusiasm and vision did not fall on waste ground. The seed of energy and drive was sown and Lakeland Community Care was founded in 1994, by like-minded people who realised that our ageing population and their associated needs, were worthy of a tailor made health care programme, ensuring positive ageing in their own homes and in user friendly day centres for more active clients.

“Building on this success our business which is also a registered charity decided to build a healthy living centre – “A Building for the Future” for the wider community. This iconic £2.5million project was built on the Railway Goods Shed’s footprint of the 1800s reminding us of what we have learned from past generations.”

Margaret spoke about some of the initiatives developed over the years before concluding: “Lakeland Community Care embodies the template of hard earned success. The directors and trustees who are all voluntary giving willingly of their time and energy without seeking reward.

“But today we are being rewarded 100 fold having His Royal Highness here to celebrate 25 years of care in the community is reward beyond words. This is a great day fro Belcoo and an unforgettable day for Lakeland Community Care.

“Sincere thanks to His Royal Highness, the Earl of Wessex for gracing our healthy living centre with your presence.”