Perryfields Academy Coronation visit – Students at Perryfields Academy had a right Royal treat when a VIP visitor delivered a coronation message from the King.
Year 7 students at the Oldbury School, in Oldacre Road, were visited by John Wood, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Sandwell, for a special assembly all about the coronation on Friday, May 5th.
And Mr Wood also brought a message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the school, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust.
He explained: “The Lord Lieutenancy is a very historic role, which was set up by King Henry VIII around 450 years ago to collect local taxes and recruit soldiers. Today, when I wear my uniform, I am a representative of the King.
“Of course, our prime role right now is to support the King and coronation by engaging with local communities. It’s wonderful to visit schools for events like this, because it allows us to share the relevance of the Royal family with the children, as well as explaining how they form part of our constitution.
“The coronation is a very special and rare event – I’m 72, and I’ve only had one in my lifetime, and I was only two years old!
“It’s one of those special events in people’s lives where we can just stop and think about the traditions that have made this country what it is and consider our place in history.
“I am really pleased that the school has invited me along, and the children seemed very interested in learning about what I do, and the history behind the coronation.”
Students decorated hall for Perryfields Academy Coronation visit
During the assembly, Perryfield Head of History Stuart Bromell gave a talk on the long history of the crown before hosting a quiz, and then students watched brief highlights of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, in 1953.
Students created hand-drawn bunting to decorate the school hall for the visit, too.
The King’s message said: “Both my wife and I are enormously grateful to all the communities, families, neighbours and friends who are coming together across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth to celebrate our Coronation.
“We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to organise such celebrations, and very much hope that they will be enjoyable and happy occasions.
“As we look towards the future, we feel deeply touched and sustained by the heartfelt good wishes an support of so many people around the country.”
Perryfields Academy Headteacher Clare Harris said: “We are so grateful that the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Sandwell took time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to our students and honoured that he brought along a message from the King.
“The coronation is a national celebration that people will remember for the rest of their lives, and we wanted to ensure they understood what an unusual event it is. Having the King’s representative visit us was the perfect way to do that.”