TWENTY five years ago, the newly-extended Child Development Centre at Steeton's Airedale Hospital welcomed a special visitor - the Princess of Wales. Lindsey Moore looks back on the visit.

THE £74,000 extension at the Child Development Centre had been funded, in part, by public donation.

An appeal, supported by the Craven Herald, had been generously supported by people across the district.

And one mum, Janet Holdsworth, thought the effort needed public recognition.

She wanted to thank not only the people who had raised "a magnificent amount of money in a short time", but also the staff who did such a tremendous job.

Janet, from Addingham, had first-hand experience of the care offered as her five-year-old daughter, Alice, attended the centre.

Without much expectation, Janet wrote to the Princess of Wales, asking whether she would consider opening the extension and, much to Janet's surprise, she got a letter back, saying the request would be considered for possible inclusion in next year's programme.

However, she didn't have to wait that long.

A short time later, it was announced that the Princess would visit the centre on Thursday, December 14.

The day arrived - and the weather was far from perfect, with snow and sleet. But the Herald said the Princess was a ray of sunshine and, despite arriving 12 minutes late, she took time to meet some of the crowd huddled under an array of umbrellas.

Three-year-old Elizabeth Moore was in pole position behind the barriers with her friends from the hospital's day nursery and she presented the Princess with a bouquet of flowers.

"I think she is very beautiful," said a rather bemused Elizabeth.

Hospital patient Kathleen Holmes, 72, of Town End Close, Cross Hills, was also in the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor. "I am very excited," she told the Herald.

Another bouquet came from four-year-old Rachel Leech, from Woodside Nursery School at Farnhill, whose children had helped to raise money for the centre.

Inside the building, the Princess was greeted by regional health authority chairman Sir Bryan Askew, Airedale Health Authority chairman Donald Hanson, district general manager David Russell and consultant paediatrician Dr Ken Wilkinson.

Also in the line-up was two-year-old Nicola Dyson, who had been chosen to present the official posy.

The royal visitor was briefed on the work of the centre - which catered for children under the age of five with various disabilities - by senior speech therapist Prue Bray and physiotherapist Ruth McAllister.

"We apologised for the weather, but she said not to worry as she was pleased to be in Yorkshire," said Ruth. "She seemed really interested in what was going on and in the children."

The Princess then moved on to talk to some of the centre's young clients and their parents. Among the first to meet her were Earby mum Hilary Butler and her 20-month-old daughter, Amy, who suffered from the bone development disorder, Larsen Syndrome.

"She seemed very interested and made me feel very much at ease," said Hilary. "She is such a lovely person and the centre deserves a bit of recognition."

Another youngster to catch the eye of the distinguished guest was three-year-old Lee Parker, of Addingham.

Suffering from mild cerebral palsy, he made a Playdoh cake for her off his own bat and proudly presented her with his masterpiece. The Princess was duly grateful!

Three-year-olds Alex Miller, of Silsden, grabbed her attention by shouting hello and singing to her. He revealed his favourite song was Postman Pat.

Through in the main playroom, there was another musical treat in store. About 29 children gave a rendition of Jo-Jo the Clown, Roly Poly and Incy Wincy Spider - complete with actions.

The Princess also watched the youngsters at play and was given a special greeting by five-year-old Sam Knapp, of Embsay, on his new Touch Talker. Sam were unable to speak and had programmed his computer to say "Welcome, Princess Diana".

Then there was time to meet some of the fundraisers, including fireman Andy Russell, of Cross Hills, who had cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats, former Silsden Parish Council chairman Betty Crabtree and former occupational therapist Jill Firth.

"I told her there had been the most wonderful response to the appeal," said Jill. "Her visit has been a wonderful climax to such a lot of hard work by so many different people. It is the cherry on top of the cake."

Before leaving, the Princess unveiled a commemorative plaque - made by Cross Hills engraver John Trevor Mitchell - and signed the visitors book.

"She said she had very much enjoyed her visit and thought it was a friendly place," speech therapist Prue told the Herald.

"The Princess is a delightful and charming lady and has an amazing and genuine interest in everything. She is very natural and chatted to everybody. It has been brilliant.

"We are tremendously grateful to all the people who supported us and we explained to her the difference the extra space made."

Echoing her comments, her colleague, Ruth, said: "It has been very worthwhile for all the people who contributed to the appeal - for without them, this would not have been possible. They were wonderful."