Royal visitor at Sense summer celebration

Sense TouchBase Pears in Birmingham was transformed into a magical midsummer forest, fit for a visit from their patron HRH The Princess Royal.

To celebrate the summer of sport coming to Birmingham this year, Sense, a Chamber member, hosted the event at TouchBase Pears headquarters in Selly Oak.

Sense 's flagship centre, TouchBase Pears, was transformed into an enchanting midsummer forest with illuminated trees, woodland smells and wildflower decorations. The 54 flags of the Commonwealth transformed the dance space.

Guests mingled in the foyer and gardens over glasses of fizz, interacting with exhibits from Sense 's arts, sport and wellbeing programmes. There was an inclusive Shakespeare exhibition with tactile posters, costumes and braille, a showcase of adapted sports activities, an inclusive dance session and art and music from disabled artists and music makers.

After initially opening TouchBase Pears in 2017, HRH The Princess Royal met with exhibitors to learn how the centre had grown and changed to suit the needs of both

After taking in all exhibits, guests, including local dignitaries, para athletes, corporates, volunteers, family members and Katrina Cooke, chief commercial officer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), dined under the 54 flags of the commonwealth.

Dinner was hosted by 3x3 wheelchair basketball Paralympian and local sportswoman Siobhan Fitzpatrick, who delivered an after-dinner speech along with Sense 's president Lord Levy, Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree, former president of the GBCC, and HRH The Princess Royal.

Sense TouchBase Pears combines health and social care services with arts, sports and wellbeing activities, support disabled people to access employment, education, volunteering and training opportunities.

Pictured: HRH Princess Royal (right) is escorted at the event by Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree, former president of Greater Birmingham Chamber.