TRELOAR'S Royal patron the Countess of Wessex visited the school and college in Holybourne on this month to open a £330,000 sports facility. Sophie last visited the campus in May 2012. On arrival, the Countess was welcomed by Dame Mary Fagan JP, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, in one of her last duties before retiring. Her Royal Highness then moved into the Jowett Centre to greet students during the June 4 visit, before enjoying a sporting display in the School's Pike Hall, followed by the ­official presentation in the Chill Out Zone. Sophie mingled with the students, spending individual time with many. Built thanks to fundraising and donations, the new outdoor facility will allow basketball, hockey, chair football and tennis. It is also a space where the students gather on fine days, perhaps for special school assemblies. For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.