College hosts Royal visitor for 150th anniversary celebration - The Worcester Observer

College hosts Royal visitor for 150th anniversary celebration

Worcester Editorial 25th May, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A WORCESTER college welcomed HRH the Countess of Wessex as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations.

Her Royal Highness visited New College Worcester, a residential school and college on Whittington Road for young people who are blind or partially sighted, to celebrate the milestone last Friday, (May 20).

Arriving by helicopter, the Countess was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Sir Nicholas Lechmere, Chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Coun Tony Miller and Worcester’s MP Robin Walker.

After a short introduction from the college’s principal, Mardy Smith, she was invited to take a tour of the college, which included a look into the Independent Living Skills department, where students learn essential life skills in preparation for moving on from NCW.




She then joined pupils while they were baking and even joined in with a game of Goalball, a team sport designed for blind athletes where they take in turns throwing or rolling a ball using the sound of a bell to judge its position and movement.

Her Royal Highness then heard a performance from the choir and brought the curtain down on her visit by unveiling a plaque to mark the college’s 150th anniversary.


Sian Shaw, Vice Principal, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the school and the students to show what we do with music, activities and the independent living skills.

“There was so much we wanted to show her during the tour.

“We are a small school with a close community and we know every student by name. We started the 150th celebrations this year with a jubilee and have a lot more events planned.”

Speaking after the visit, Mr Walker said: “I am always blown away by the talent the students have and the independence they show.

“To have a royal visit is a real accolade to the college and helps people understand the amazing potential of these blind students.”

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