Schools Celebrate Queen's Jubilee & Mayor Delivers Commemorative Gifts

Schools in Henley celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last week with special lunches, picnics, events, activities and a visit from Henley Mayor who delivered commemorative coins and tree saplings for every primary school child as a gift from Henley Town Council.

Henley Mayor, Councillor Michelle Thomas said, “This is a really special occasion and an unprecedented time for the history of the UK. The Queen has given an exceptional service to this country and whether you are a royalist or not, this is one of those moments that deserves to be marked.” At the schools who had chosen a tree sapling for their pupils to plant in their gardens as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, Michelle got the children to shout out “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.”

Badgemore

At Badgemore, the Mayor was also invited to crown this year’s May King and Queen on her visit; Robyn Mattingly and Freddie Docherty. The King and Queen were voted for by Robyn and Freddie’s classmates and they had to make a speech as to why they wanted to be May King and Queen. Freddie said, “I said I would be really nice to everyone and help everyone out. Robyn said, “I said that because it was my last year, I wanted to make this year count and I thought this would make it great.” Afterwards the Mayor and parents were entertained with Maypole dancing and then everyone joined in a Beatles sing-along.

Rupert House

At Rupert House, the children enjoyed designing Jubilee plates, singing games, a quiz, country dancing and bowls before a picnic lunch outside in the sunshine. They ended the day on Friday with their annual May Fair on the Playing Fields on the Fairmile.

Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart pupils were presented with commemorative Jubilee coins by Henley Mayor and invited children to ask questions which included when and why did she become Mayor. Harry asked the Mayor, “Have you met the Queen?” Mayor Michelle replied, “I haven’t met the Queen but I have met her daughter, Princess Anne.” After receiving her coin, Emilia said, “This is very nice and I’ll keep it forever.”

St Mary’s

On Thursday pupils at St Mary’s paraded in their crowns around the playround. The designs were a spectacle and included ones made using origami and natural flowers and evergreen. On Friday the Mayor visited assembly to deliver the native Oak and Beech trees for the pupils. Catherine Yoxall, Marketing & Communications Manager, Catherine Yoxall said, “It was lovely to welcome the new Mayor into school and we are looking forward to seeing her again soon. The children were delighted to take their saplings home.”

Valley Road

The whole school enjoyed a picnic together with Year Six pupils organising activities throughout the afternoon which included party games and a treasure hunt for all the pupils to take part in. Afterwards they gathered in the hall to watch a short film about the Queen and for a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ style sing-a-long and the waving of flags each of the children had made ending with a rousing performance of the National Anthem.

Badgemore

Rupert House

Sacred Heart

St Mary’s

Valley Road

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