WILTSHIRE had a very royal visit as Her Majesty Queen Camilla came to the county to celebrate a community foundation.

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation (WSCF) welcomed Her Majesty to a special event at Wellington Barn in Calne yesterday (July 10) to mark its 50th anniversary.

The Salisbury area had a prominent role in the celebrations, as Queen Camilla met the Downton Brass Band, who provided a musical accompaniment throughout the event.

And she even enjoyed a passionfruit sorbet from Joanna Weaver who sells artisan Italian gelato from her van in Salisbury.

Reflecting on the event – and the moment that she served Her Majesty The Queen – Joanna said: “It was an honour to serve Queen Camilla today; I hope she found her passionfruit sorbet refreshing on such a hot day!

“It was a good choice for a hot day. I was slightly surprised, as I was pre-warned that her favourite was salted caramel – so I was all ready to do salted caramel, and then she went for passionfruit!”

READ MORE: Salisbury Market Place toilets: £1.75m revamp among seven options to be discussed

READ MORE: “Really bad decision”: Wiltshire Council slammed for selling off council homes near Salisbury

WCSF has played a vital role as a connector for half a century – bringing together people who care with causes that matter.

Whether by linking donors and partners with grassroots organisations, connecting groups with each other, or opening up new opportunities through shared knowledge and collaboration, the Foundation helps strengthen communities across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Her Majesty The Queen cuts Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration cake Picture: Will Scammell

Her Majesty met a wide range of supporters and donors as well as individuals and groups who have received funding from the Foundation, heard their stories, and unveiled a commemorative 50th Anniversary plaque, which was crafted and mounted by Tidworth and Ludgershall Men’s Shed.

Commenting on the event, joint chief executive Fiona Oliver said: “It was a tremendous honour to mark the 50th anniversary of Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

“This milestone celebrated all that can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

“Over the past five decades, the foundation has provided vital support to thousands of charities, community groups and individuals — strengthening communities, inspiring generosity, and helping to foster thriving local communities.

“None of this would be possible without the vision and commitment of our board, the dedication of our staff, and the incredible support of our donors, partners, volunteers and the wider voluntary sector.

“We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to this remarkable legacy.”

Her Majesty The Queen meets Changing Suits CIC, a group who were supported by Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation. Changing Suits CIC is Swindon-based, and supports South Asian communities in overcoming cultural barriers and engaging with support services Picture: Will Scammell

During the event, the Foundation formally reintroduced Swindon into its name, announcing its updated identity as Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.

The new name reflects both the breadth of the Foundation’s work and its origins — acknowledging Swindon as the town where the organisation was founded in 1975 by Lord Joel Joffe as the Thamesdown Community Trust.

In 1991, it merged with Wiltshire Community Trust to form the organisation known today, with a long-term vision of building an endowment fund to support communities across the county.

Over the last 50 years, the Foundation has awarded more than £26.8 million in grants, supporting hundreds of thousands of people across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Its funding has addressed a wide range of local issues — from poverty and rural isolation to mental health and domestic abuse.