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Queen hands out seeds and cuttings from her garden

Bea Swallow & Will Glennon
BBC News, West of England
PA The Queen cut a specially commissioned anniversary cake created by one of the foundation's grant recipientsPA
The Queen cut a specially commissioned anniversary cake created by one of the foundation's grant recipients

Queen Camilla has handed out seeds and cuttings from her garden during a day of visiting charitable organisations to thank them for their hard work.

The Queen visited Lower Shockerwick Farm, near Bath in Somerset, which is run as a centre for children experiencing social exclusion and challenges at school.

During her visit, she unveiled a commemorative plaque, watered the flowerbeds, and tasted homemade lemon curd as she helped the children make cupcakes.

She also attended Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation's 50th anniversary celebration at Wellington Barn in Calne, Wiltshire.

PA Queen Camilla wearing a green and white patterned long dress and walking outside through double automatic doors. On either side there are large bouquets of flowers, and Union Jack flag bunting above the door. PA
The Queen met a range of individuals and groups who have received funding from the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation

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

Its funding has tackled a wide range of local issues from domestic abuse, poverty and rural isolation to mental health, education and employment.

Her Majesty met individuals who have been supported by the charity, and unveiled a special plaque marking the charity's formal reintroduction of Swindon into its name.

Elsewhere in the region, the Queen visited Jamie's Farm to meet some of the children who attend the centre.

The organisation works with young people typically aged between 11 and 16, who are at risk of social or academic exclusion due to challenges with behaviour, attendance, or mental health.

PA Queen Camilla wearing a green and white patterned dress while helping two children ice vanilla cupcakes. PA
Queen Camilla said she looked forward to returning to Jamie's Farm next year

Since the charity was established in 2009, it has welcomed more than 16,000 young people to their six existing sites in Bath, Hereford, Monmouth, Lewes, Skipton and a city farm in London Waterloo.

She told guests: "I am yet to get to Yorkshire, but that will be next on my agenda. I promise you I will get there.

"It's really thanks to everybody here that this has happened at this really wonderful ancient farm. I look forward to seeing it in a year's time with all the children."

PA Queen Camilla wearing a long green and white patterned dress and carrying a basket full of plant cuttings. She is stood laughing with a man, who is wearing a dark suit and tie. They are standing next to the bed of a truck where a stone plaque is sitting. PA
To commemorate the occasion, the Queen unveiled a stone plaque marking the date of her visit

Before her departure, the Queen handed over a basket of cuttings and seeds, including foxgloves, hollyhocks, mint, rosemary and blackcurrant, taken from her private home near Lacock in Wiltshire.

"I hope I can come back and see them thriving," she added.

Thanking the Queen for her visit, Mr Feilden said: "We are honoured that you are here to officially open Lower Shockerwick Farm.

"We really appreciate your support, interest and advocacy for the work that we do."

PA Queen Camilla wearing a green and white patterned dress, watering a bunch of red geraniums with a green watering can. PA
Queen Camilla helped water calibrachoa, geraniums and verbena flowers, which had been planted by the children

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