HOLSWORTHY Livestock Market welcomed royalty on Monday, as the agri-business centre was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne.

Local farmers, dignitaries, councillors and staff from livestock auctioneers Kivells, which operates the centre, were among those to meet the Princess Royal.

Richard Brown, formerly mayor, district councillor and town councillor, said he worked closely with the late Des Shadrick. Mr Shadrick, former district and county councillor and farmer, was passionate for a new market to be built in Holsworthy and had a pivotal role during the early stages.

Mr Brown said: “The centre is of benefit for the area and the whole of the South West, and to see it come so good is a wonderful thing, and a justification of all Des’s efforts. It’s really nice to get a royal endorsement.”

The market, which started trading last September, when the first market saw more than 4,000 animals pass under the hammer, is the largest single project ever undertaken by Torridge District Council, and was a collaboration, which also included working closely with Devon County Council and Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council.

John Himan, Deputy Chairman, Torridge District Council, gave a speech prior to Princess Anne officially opening the market by unveiling a plaque, in which he described the project as a ‘a fine example of team work between the public and private sector’.

He added: “Early indications are that the turnover will have increased by 25% in the first 12 months of operating.”

In congratulating, Her Royal Highness said: “It is a real pleasure to see this level of investment.

“I’m sure you will make best possible use of the facility you now have.”

The market cost £6-million, and the project was delivered on time and within budget. It was built by local contractors Morgan Sindall.

It took the Morgan Sindall team 850 hours to construct the 218 tonne frame, which consists of 10,101 metres of rolled steel.

The Princess toured the market and met local farmers and their livestock. She met William Bromell, who was there with his Devon and Cornwall Longwool sheep.

“She said how they need to be preserved because there are so few left. She knew a lot about it,” William said.

William’s father, Mark, Kivells director, said on meeting the Princess: “She was very, very knowledgable about farming and rural matters. We had quite a discussion on the state of farming and education in farming, referring to my time at Seale-Hayne College.

“She had a very long chat with William on the Devon and Cornwall Longwools, I think she is well into preserving breeds with her own White Parks.

“It’s an honour for the family and the firm.”

Stuart Ley from Sutcombe brought the supreme champion 2014 of Holsworthy Show to meet the Princess Royal.

He said of his meeting: “It is something different and a great honour. She asked a bit about the market and asked if we are enjoying the modern facility.”

Annette Dennis, Kivells clerk and longest serving market staff member, said the Princess had remarked ‘oh, goodness!’ on learning she had been with the firm 46 years.

Ms Dennis added: “She was very gracious and just initiated conversation, she was very easy to talk to.

“She asked where we are based and we said here, and that we go to wherever needs us.

“It was an absolute honour. How many days do you have where you can say I met a Princess? It is a wonderful day.”

Stuart Wilson, market chaplain, said of meeting Princess Anne: “She is a lovely lady and a very well informed lady and I know that the area will benefit from the visit tremendously. Just the whole feel of it has been fantastic.”

The centre comprises of livestock lairage, pens and auction rings, and there are purpose built units for use by farming-related businesses, offices and a canteen.

Cllr Barry Parsons, Conservative county councillor for Holsworthy Rural, said he was ‘thrilled’ to have met the Princess Royal.

He added: “Just to see everyone here, it’s Holsworthy coming together and I’m just so proud and pleased.

“I was listening to the conversations she had either side of me, she is so well informed and interested in what we are doing.”

Also in attendance at the official opening was Peter Kivell, former director and auctioneer, who said: “I’m very proud of the achievements all the way round. The council is very cooperative and forward thinking to have focused in on a need for an agricultural centre in the heart of Devon, which is Holsworthy.”

There were performances by Holsworthy Town Band, who were said to be exteremely pleased and excited to be contributing to the opening ceremony.

Under the direction of Anthony Jones they played Perfect Day, You’re beautiful, and The Rose as well as a selection of other tunes including Comrades in Arms.

There were also performances by pupils and students from Bradworthy, Kingsley (Bideford), Shebbear and Holsworthy Community College.

Director David Kivell said following the royal visit: “It went very well. It was a lovely day with the weather and crowd we have had.

“I think [the Princess] was just generally impressed. We have put a lot of work into getting it clean and looking right.”

James Morrish, Kivells auctioneer, PR and marketing, who conducted the tour of the market for Princess Anne, said: “It was wonderful to see her here and so many people — hundreds.

“It just represented everything about Holsworthy, the people and support from the town band through to the schools and everybody that made today happen. We all muck in and stand shoulder to shoulder. Long may our success continue.”

Kivells director Kevin Hicks presented to Princess Anne a locally crafted water jug as a memento of her visit.

He said: “Thank you, ma’am for making this day so memorable by your presence.”