DNEAT MAT News

Primary school children from Hopton Church of England Primary Academy joined members of the Parish Council to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Friday 11^th March 2022.

Kellie Egleton, Headteacher of Hopton Church of England Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said: “Our pupils had the honour of planting two cherry blossom trees in the Community Millennium Garden as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.  The date was carefully chosen, representing the seventieth day of the year in which The Queen marks the seventieth anniversary of her accession.”

The Mayor of the Borough of Great Yarmouth, Mr. Thompson, led the ceremony dressed in full mayoral regalia. He engaged with the children and invited them to help with the planting. He explained the correct way to display the Union Flags the children were given.

The children were delighted to take part and listened and responded appropriately showing understanding of the reason for the event.

After formalities the Mayor and the children chatted about school and current world issues. They were interested in the gown he wore and the chains and medals of his office. Mr. Thompson was most impressed with Hopton pupils.

The children returned to school, where the Mayoral party met a group of pupils who had raised in excess of £2000 for the Crisis in Ukraine. He invited them to come to the Town Hall to take tea with him and be shown the Mayoral Chambers and the different official rooms, in recognition of their wonderful efforts.

Hopton pupils felt incredibly privileged to share in this historic moment. Further celebrations are planned which will begin in May 2022.