News

We had a right royal time meeting princesses and watching parades at our patron Her Majesty the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations.

Five students, their families and Seashell staff shared luxury picnic hampers at the official Patron's Lunch with 10,000 representatives of the 600 charities with which the Queen is involved.

Louise Rottier, who co-ordinated the big day for Seashell Trust, said: “The Patron’s Lunch was a joyous celebration of two things the British do exceptionally well: monarchy and charity. It was an absolute delight to be there to watch everyone take such pleasure in being part of such a magnificent event. Surely there can be no better advert for inclusion than to see our student and staff seated at the very heart of such a high profile national celebration and to behave as exemplary ambassadors throughout.”

Despite the downpours, the whole group of 31 enjoyed every minute of the ultimate street party on the Mall.

Student Eddie Hodson's mother Caroline said: “It was an awesome experience! Happy faces, fab food, a beautiful hamper, brilliant company and a shared purpose - celebrating such a wonderful, historic occasion. Despite the rain, we all had a super day and feel privileged to have been involved in such a significant event representing the Seashell Trust. We will never forget today.”

Sian Thompson, senior learning support assistant support, said: “The event was really enjoyable. It was lovely to see students, families and staff celebrating together. I think the parade was a highlight - great to see so many charities and organisations represented.”

Our students were thrilled to meet members of the Royal family.

Jayne Davies, mum of student Emma Tonna, said: “The highlights for Emma was meeting Princess Eugenie and she really enjoyed all the music in the parade. For me the best part was being part of such an amazing party atmosphere and being so close to the Queen as she and the Duke of Edinburgh waved as they drove past. She loved that Prince William call the Queen “granny” in his speech!”

One of Daniel Follon had a wonderful time when Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie stopped to say hello.

His mum Maxine said: “We have had an amazing experience. We will all have lovely memories of the celebration that we were lucky to be invited to share the opportunity in. Daniel has thoroughly enjoyed the day and the rain did not dampen his enthusiasm laughing and smiling, he especially enjoyed meeting the princess.”

Carol Honeini, internship co-ordinator from Heald Green, said: “The whole group were amazing but for me it was the smile and look of triumph on Daniel's face when both princesses stopped to speak to him. It was an absolute amazing day.”

Seashell teacher Niall Smalley said: “It was not only an amazing day for the students and their families but also the staff that support them daily. The students have truly shown how those with autism or other learning difficulties can be part of the wider community.

“Today the students were ambassadors for not only Seashell but all those with SEN and they have truly risen to the occasion. They have interacted with members of the community and press and shown everyone how we should celebrate the diversity we see in Britain today. The Queen is a wonderful role model of how we as a nation should endeavour to offer an inclusive diverse environment in all areas of our society.”

Back at the Cheadle Hulme charity, fellow students, teachers and charity supporters joined in the festivities with their own Great British Summer Fair, attended by another patron, former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati.