Chamber members meet King Charles during Burton visit

King Charles III met business leaders, brewery representatives and charity leaders -including members of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce - during a recent visit to Burton.

During the visit, the King toured Chamber member The Tower Brewery, where owner John Mills guided him through the building’s history and beer production process.

He was then later given a talk about the towns brewing heritage by DR Harry White, Chair of the National Brewing Heritage Centre, followed by a reception celebrating Burton’s local businesses and charities.

Burton & District Chamber of Commerce president Richard Wileman and Burton YMCA CEO Paul Laffey were also in attendance.

This marked the King’s first official visit to Staffordshire since his coronation.

Paul Laffey said: “It was a tremendous honour to meet King Charles, with a number of colleagues delivering vital services in East Staffordshire. 

“The King spoke to me about volunteering and fundraising, two import elements for most Charities to operate. 

“He was very interested in understanding what the YMCA and each Charity delivers and the needs of the Town and surrounding areas.  

“I would like to thank Ben Robinson, the YMCA President, for inviting so many Charity Leaders with myself to such a prestigious event and for showcasing the community work of our Town to the King.”

Catherine Miles, chief executive of SARAC, who was also in attendance, added: “It was a privilege to stand alongside colleagues from organisations supporting some of the most vulnerable communities of Burton, including Mind, YMCA, and BAC O'Connor.

“We discussed vital issues such as mental health, homelessness, sexual abuse, and addiction, addressing challenges like volunteer retention and the growing need for our services.

“The King also inquired about the size of the staff team delivering SARAC's services. I was especially proud to share how dedicated our volunteers are to the cause.”

Pictured from left to right:  Paul Laffey, chief executive of Burton & District YMCA; Lynne Barrell, chief officer of Burton & District Mind; King Charles III; and Ben Robinson MBE DL and Burton & District YMCA President