King Letsie III of Lesotho, his Queen and their Royal Party visited UTASS on the afternoon of Saturday 25th June 2016,
They were welcomed by local school children before having a tour of UTASS, meeting members and supporters who showcased a wide range of activities that take place.
The Royal Party were then taken to the Mart in the UTASS Mini Bus where they enjoyed meeting David Eccles’ beautiful ponies, as well as demonstrations of walling, sheep shearing, wool spinning and a mock sheep auction. They also visited the business units in the Aspire buidling before heading up the dale for a farm visit.

Local school children eagerly await the arrival of the Royal Party..

Visitors to the village hear news of the Royal visit and stay to welcome the Royal Party.

Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso arrives and gives the welcome party a wave…

King Letsie III receives gifts from local school children…

Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso receives gifts from local school children…

The King and Queen are greeted by dignitaries and UTASS Staff and Trustees…

Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso is presented with an Addicted to Sheep DVD…

Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso enjoys some photographs on display…

Steve Messams paper bridge and Addicted to Sheep on display…

King Letsie III meets Steve Messam and his sons..

King Letsie III is introduced to UTASS retired Chairperson Grace Hall and Reverend Alison Wallbank…

Some young people show King Letsie III what fun they get up to at our Thursday night drop-in…

King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso

King Letsie III lays a through stone in the wall at the Farmers Auction Mart…

King Letsie III meets one of David Eccles’ stunning ponies…

The King and Queen are shown some poultry….

The King and Queen enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration…

The Royal Party visit the business units in the Aspire Building…

The Royal Party visit the business units in the Aspire Building…

The Royals enjoy a visit to Richard and Dodge Bettons farm in Upper Teesdale…