HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits Burford School, Burford Community Orchard, Katharine House Hospice and The Sunshine Centre, Banbury
Burford School was founded in October 1571 and celebrated its 450th Anniversary this year. HRH The Duke of Gloucester’s visit to the school formed part of their Founders’ Day celebrations. Met on arrival by the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM, HRH was introduced to the new Head of the school who gave him an overview of the school, its history and the 450th anniversary. Escorted by Sir Charles Ponsonby Bt DL, HRH was given a short tour of the school before being shown The Acre, the school’s nature area. Neglected during the Covid pandemic, the school has plans to use the area again for the pupils. HRH joined the Founders’ Day service where he said a few words of reflection before departing to Burford Community Orchard.
Burford Community Orchard has been planned by, and will be planted by, volunteers from the Burford tree Initiative, in partnership with the Town Council.
Accompanied by John Harwood DL, HRH was shown the plans for the Orchard and for other tree planting activities in Burford before being invited to plant the inaugural tree. This was also the first tree to be planted in Burford as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. A further 11 trees will be planted in the orchard, and another 1300 will be planted on the Blue Cross site in Burford. HRH was joined by pupils from Burford Primary School. Following his planting of the tree, HRH was introduced to the Town Lengthman.
HRH then visited Katharine House Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care for adults with life-limiting conditions across North Oxfordshire, South Northamptonshire and South Warwickshire. The hospice was created to provide a holistic approach to patient care, considering the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of an individual. HRH heard about the hospice’s 30th Anniversary and the partnership with Oxford University Hospitals Trust, before having the opportunity to meet patients engaged in an art activity. HRH then unveiled the hospice’s Celebration Tree, before viewing the Chapel and meeting staff and patients. During lunch, HRH talked to more patients and staff, before moving on to The Sunshine Centre in Banbury.
The Sunshine Centre is a community-based project located on a large housing estate in Banbury, North Oxfordshire. It provides help and support to vulnerable children and families in an area of considerable economic and social deprivation. Met on arrival by Sir Tony Baldry DL, HRH was given a tour of the building, meeting staff, parents and children in some of the rooms. Following the tour, HRH met with Trustees, Staff, Partner Representatives and Volunteers before Jill Edge, the Centre Manager, gave him a presentation on the Life Journey of The Sunshine Centre. There was an opportunity for discussion, before HRH departed.