AWP by Royal Appointment…? well no, not quite!

A couple of months back I was contacted by The Nottinghamshire Hospice about a special job. Anyone who happens to follow our progress will know we do quite a bit for the Hospice (photography-wise), so I guess that’s why we were asked about this one.

Recently the Hospice has undergone some modification, thanks mainly to their Department of Health Grant and a legacy from Sir Joseph Pope and the Late Lady Evelyn Pope.

After seeing the improvements to the building first hand, additions such as a complimentary therapy room, consulting rooms, a quiet room and a sheltered courtyard I can tell that they are a real asset to the Hospice and its current services. The newly extended dining area and kitchens are also going to be a great help.

HRH the Duchess of Gloucester was invited to tour the new facility, meet the patients and staff and ultimately officially open the new wing…. And that’s where we come in!

We were given the opportunity to be the only official photographer for the royal visit which took place on Wednesday the 2nd November 2011, and I (Andy) was quite nervous about it, as an events photographer; this is the sort of job I was waiting to do and now it’s actually happening!

Worries of whether my kit will do the job, was I good enough, will I have to speak to any of the party, how many other photographers/media people would I be fighting against to get the shot?

Of course all this was completely irrational and I suppose it was happening because I really wanted to do well and not let the Hospice down.

The day came and checked my kit (for the 100th time I might add!), Batteries – check!, Memory cards – Check!, Flash guns x 3 well you can’t be too prepared – check!

As it turned out I had all I needed…. Why did I doubt myself so much…? I’d done this 100’s of times before!

I arrived at the hospice feeling as if I was going to the doctors, my stomach doing somersaults and my head ached, but as I stepped inside and saw some friendly faces it soon faded, a quick run through, cameras ready and I felt fine. I was to be the only photographer allowed to follow the visitors through the tour and as such had to have security clearance to be one of the tour party (much to the disappointment of the Evening Posts snapper!)

After what seemed like a life time of waiting, security staff arrived sporting discreet earpieces, they carried out a sweep of the building and I of course set to work convincing one of them that he needed to attend one of our brilliant beginners photography workshops!.... what?

The Duchess arrived around 20 minutes behind schedule which meant that the visit may be a little shorter than planned, but never the less she was not rushed and was extremely pleasant, friendly and eager to speak with as many people as she could. Some of the patients had gifts, one of the ladies, Barbara Roweth had made a bag for the Duchess, as she was presented with it she quickly transferred all the contents of her bag in to the new one, a really lovely gesture!

As the party wandered the route my only concerns were: I must keep in front of the party and don’t get in the way! You will be pleased to learn that I managed not only to do just that but I was able to get some great photographs too.

The tour ended with a speech or two and the unveiling of the lectern with the plaque mounted on it. With Sir Joseph Pope at the Duchess’s side they lifted the blue velvet cover together.

Just before the party left for the station the Duchess signed the new visitors book then received a posy from a daycare patient, Gillian Flemming, whilst the Evening Post’s photographer and I jostled for position!

After being at the Hospice for around an hour, they left………………………..

I could sense a collective sigh of relief along with an over whelming sense of achievement from all as the patients and staff moved in to the spacious new dining room to have ‘Royal’ tea of sandwiches and cakes along with a well deserved cup of tea, all served on beautiful porcelain plates, except the tea!

All in all a fantastic experience for all and a great opportunity for us, Thank you to all at the Hospice for giving us the chance to do it!

Those that would like to see the photographs can find them here: www.andywallisphotography.co.uk and click ‘client gallery’ in the top right hand corner of the home page and more details will soon be available on www.nottshospice.org.