His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent planted a tree at Ardingly College, as part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
During his two-hour visit, he also officially opened the latest extension to ‘The Farmhouse’ – the College’s thriving Pre-Preparatory school for children aged 3 – 7. On arrival at the College at midday, the Duke was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mr Hugh Wyatt, who introduced him to Headmaster Mr Peter Green and his wife Mrs Brenda Green and Chairman of Governors Mr Robert Alston and Mrs Pat Alston, as well as Head Prefects Tom Wade and Unoma Okolo.
After planting an Acer on the edge of the College green, the Duke walked through the South Quad to the Chapel, chatting informally to pupils and prefects who lined the route.
The Senior School Choir sang in the Chapel as the Duke signed the Visitor’s Book. He was then escorted to The Under, where he met former Head John Franklin and Mrs Kim Franklin, before lunching with governors and invited guests.
After lunch, the Duke was driven across the College Campus to The Farmhouse where he unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new classroom block and met members of the Project Design Team as well as Mrs Sue Vermeer, founding head of the Pre-Prep who retired in 2006, the current head Ms Jeanne Adkins and her deputy Mrs Tandy Cufley.
There was a short presentation by pupils from The Farmhouse and the Duke had time to chat briefly to pupils and staff before leaving the College with a reminder of his visit – a copy of the recently-published ‘A School with a View,’ a history of the College, written by governor and Old Ardinian David Gibbs.
The Duke’s visit was reminiscent of another Royal visit, exactly 50 years ago, when his cousins the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh also visited the College and each planted Acers – at that time commemorating the College centenary!
