St Peter’s School pupils just love their royal visitors
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| • THE Countess is delighted to meet some of the children in the Forest School. Ref: P0075-39-07SH |
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| • HEADTEACHER Rob Williams introduces the Earl of Wessex to some of the children. Ref: P0119-39-07SH |
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• THE Countess of Wessex with Shell 3 teacher Maggie Howard, who explains some of the work the youngest children have been doing.
Ref: P0052-39-07SH |
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| • THE Countess of Wessex talks to one of the children. Ref: P0037-39-07SH |
Pictures: Simon Horn
Words: Richard Jordan
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St Peter’s School in Lympstone has had a special visit from royalty to kick-start its 125th birthday celebrations.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex last Thursday, visited the preparatory school where Sophie’s grandfather, Theo Rhys Jones, was once headmaster.
During the tour, the royal couple opened the school’s recently renovated hall, named Wessex Hall in their honour.
They then visited the school library and learnt about the school’s Cross Keys programme - similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award - of which Edward is head, before speaking to youngsters engaged in various activities on the school lawn under a glorious sun.
James Robert-Doble, six, took time out from sketching to talk to Edward.
Said James: “I was excited about speaking to him. I can’t wait to go home and tell my mum and I even remembered to call him sir.”
Admiring the view of the estuary at the front of the school, Sophie, who is expecting her second child, commented: “It’s a view that sticks in my mind.
“I always look forward to seeing it.”
Edward was asked to plant a cedar tree to replace one blown down during a storm in 1987 and pupils cheered as he shovelled in the soil.
Before unveiling a commemorative statue of a cormorant sporting a mortarboard, Sophie said to the crowd of youngsters: “You gave my husband a cheer when he planted the tree - well I want an even bigger one.”
Head of school Lucy Parsons, 13, presented the countess with a bunch of flowers before the royal pair, waved off by pupils, were whisked away in a helicopter.
Said Lucy: “I thanked her for starting our birthday celebration. She said she liked the statue, especially the hat, and said there was a similar one in the House of Commons. I didn’t feel nervous speaking to her.”
Said wife of headmaster and school marketing manager Maria Williams: “Sophie is superb with the children. It’s a pleasure to have her visit.
“It’s great that we can keep the link with the Rhys Jones family alive.”
Said deputy headmaster Paul Lawton: “There has been a real buzz about the place in anticipation of the visit. We have been running around with a paint brush touching up anything that was out of place. It’s been very hard to teach because the children have all been so excited.”
“Edward and Sophie were actually running behind schedule but they were in no hurry to leave and spent lots of time with the children – it shows you how comfortable they are here.”
Robin Willoughby, 73, was a student at the school before it was moved from Exmouth to Lympstone by Theo Rhys Jones.
Said the father-of-four: “My memories of the school were of the war. We had to carry around gas masks and listen out for air raid sirens when we would have to run for cover outside the head’s office. There were only about 60 pupils back then. It’s great to see how the school has grown.”
A more recent pupil, Lucy St Johnson, 23, spent six years at the school.
Said Lucy: “I think everyone’s favourite memory of the school is the Australian fudge desert. If anyone knows the recipe, tell them to get in touch.”
Said Paul Lawton: “Seeing so many different generations returning to the school shows you how much it means to people.
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| • Ref: P0095-39-07SH |
• THE royals rename the refurbished sport hall - now the Wessex Hall |
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| • THE bronze statue of a cormorant, sporting mortarboard, being unveiled. Ref: P0134-39-07SH |
• Pupils give their Royal visitors a memorable send off. Ref: P0386-39-07SH |
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• The royal couple are pictured with head of school Lucy Parsons and Ben Ford and Millie Parr, who presented Sophie with a bouquet.
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• Ref: P9990-39-07SH |
• Ref: P0382-39-07SH |
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