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Royal Opening 8th March 2007
picturs by Mick Whittington (more images available in the gallery)

On Thursday 8th March 2007 Prince Philip visited the Crew Club to officially open the new centre.

The chairman of the Crew Club Phil Doyle was the first to meet Prince Philip and on showing the Prince the new plans for the clubs sports developments and the foundations for a new changing facility Prince Philip jokingly said "Who are you burying today?"

Mr Doyle, who was named after the Duke, said: "It all went very well. He's very sharp and was very good with everyone he met." Mr Doyle then escorted Prince Philip into the new centre.

Prince Philip was then introduced to the founders of the Crew Club Lorraine and Darren Snow. Lorraine told the Duke about how the club has grown over the last seven years. The Duke was then introduced to Ricky Pumphrey the clubs sports development worker who gave Prince Philip a detailed tour of the ICT suite.

From the ICT suite Mr Doyle introduced Prince Philip to the club's music development worker Sonny Burtenshaw and club members Jamie McGinley and Jamie McDonnell. The Duke ask Jamie aged 13 what he would like to be when he grows up. Jamie replied a professional footballer to which Prince Philip said you will end up with bad knees playing football then jokingly turned to Mr Doyle and said look he must have been a professional sportsman.

Lorraine then gave Prince Philip a tour of the sexual heath room which the 85-year-old took in his stride. She said "He's a man of the world with a wicked sense of humour."

It was then time to look around the clubs new training kitchen where he met cooking in the community worker Erika Elder and club members Jessica Hatton, Charlotte Leggett and Tiala Bennett. Prince Philip asked the girls if they had made their sesame flapjacks out of bird seed but saved face by complementing their fruit kebabs. Charlotte said: "He was up for a laugh and seemed very friendly".

Mr Doyle then escorted the Duke into the main hall where he was introduced to the local vicar Father John Wright and residents Stella Faben and Jenny Peleg. Prince Philip jokingly asked Stella 86 if she was a founder member to which she replied no sir I am just a good friend.

Prince Philip then met part time workers Scott Wheatland and Vicky Mercer and club member Josh Hatton who have all completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Duke asked the young people many questions about the award and was interested in the equipment that was on show.

Mr Doyle then introduced Prince Philip to fellow trustees, the clubs fundraiser, architects, funders and the local MP.The Duke then met part time worker Tara Harding, volunteer Jackie Rafizadeh and club members Richard Jaiherm, Lacie-May Snow, Esme Cole, Reece Aldridge and Hannah Sharman.

Following a speech from a proud Mr Doyle Prince Philip then finished his visit by unveiling a plaque to officially open the new centre. He told the audience: "This is the plushest youth club I've ever seen. I'd like to congratulate the founders and everyone involved. And now you are about to see the world's most experienced plaque unveiler at work"

The Duke then left the Crew Club and before heading back to Brighton Station he met local residents.

Dear Mr Doyle,

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was very interested in your work at The Crew Club and admiring of the wonderful way in which you, Lorraine and Darren together with your Trustees have created such an excellent organisation supporting young people.

Please give my thanks to everyone involved in making the visit such a memorable one - as I am sure it will be for everybody who was there and saw for themselves how interested His Royal Highness was in all you are doing for young people.

With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Phyllida Stewart-Roberts OBE
Lord Lieutenant