Saundersfoot pupils play part in Royal visit and rowing championships

This month included two unique, once in a lifetime opportunities for pupils of Saundersfoot CP School.   

The first memorable event was on October 14 when the school was invited to be part of the welcoming committee for HRH The Princess Royal.

The whole school performed a sea shanty for HRH, quite aptly for the naming of the schooner.

Mr Allen, headteacher said: “As you can imagine moving the whole school down onto the decking was quite a logistical challenge, let alone preparing the children for singing outdoors and the etiquette of greeting Royalty.

“The staff skilfully and creatively worked these into lessons and activities, so we were fully prepared. I could not be prouder of the children, staff, volunteers, and parents for all the support and their conduct during the whole afternoon.

“Even the deluge of rain as we walked back to school could not dampen our spirits!

“This was an event that the whole community of Saundersfoot came together to celebrate, and I am so grateful that the school played a part.” 

The school representatives, four Purpose Ambassadors presented the Royal party with flowers.

Ambitious and capable ambassadors, Grace and Halle; Creative Contributor ambassadors, Lowri and Ava; Ethic and Informed ambassadors, Dylan and Diruksha; and Health and Confident ambassadors, Flynn and Meg. 

The children rightly took centre stage and enjoyed meeting HRH The Princess Royal. Grace and Halle were asked by HRH If they had been onto the Schooner.

Lowri and Ava were asked if they performed the Sea Shanty regularly, Ava informed HRH that pupils learnt the song specially for her.  

Megan presented HRH with a gift for her grandchildren from one of the school’s teachers, Sandy Lawrence who created the book - Dewi, The Daydreaming Dragon of Freshwater East.

The School was also asked to be part of the medal ceremony for the World Coastal Rowing event, with six representatives - Lily, Lowri, Lexia, Dylan, Iwan and Ollie briefed on their role in the medal ceremony and attended on both Saturday and Sunday.

There was much excitement over the weekend as numerous British athletes featured in the finals and semi-finals, including ex-member of staff Sarah Parker!

The pupils carried out their roles with diligence and professionalism, it was a fantastic experience for them.

Not only did the pupils get close to Olympic rowers and top-class athletes they even managed a chat and picture with TV presenter, naturalist and writer Steve Backshall, husband to Olympic Rower Helen Glover who narrowly missed out on Gold, being beaten by New Zealand Rower Emma Twigg.