Specialist school welcomes The Countess of Wessex

On Wednesday 9th July St Joseph’s Specialist School and College Mrs. Mary Fawcett , Principal and Dr. Martin Hollins, Chair of Governors, were delighted to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex accompanied by Mrs. Diana Prain - Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey; David Munro - Chair of Surrey County Council Mr. Mike Brand - Deputy Mayor of Waverley;; and Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor – Patron together with other special guests from the local community, families and friends of current and previous learners, when they hosted the annual Sports and Fun Day.

St Josephs Specialist School and College welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex SUS-140721-170202001

The day was a great success; consisting of dancing displays, sports events, swimming and a fashion show. During her visit the Countess chatted with learners and staff; one of the learners invited the Countess to take part in the egg and spoon race with them, a challenge to which HRH happily agreed. As the patron of the Royal College of Speech and Language the Countess was particularly keen to see the many varieties of therapies accessed by our learners. During her visit Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and signed our visitor’s book. Learners presented the Countess with a posy, a bird box and preserves made by learners during their enterprise sessions.

School Principal, Mary Fawcett, told staff and learners “I felt so proud to be a part of St Joseph’s Specialist School and College, the day was amazing - you are all stars!” Learners will be creating a memory book during to record the events of the Royal Visit.

Report and pictures contributed by St Josephs Specialist School and College.