HM Queen Noor visits UWC Atlantic College for 50 Year Celebration
19th September 2012
On the 19 September 2012, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan visited UWC Atlantic College to mark its 50th year anniversary.
Her Majesty Queen Noor arrived at the college by helicopter and was greeted by Stephen Cox, Chair of the Governors, John Walmsley, Principal, Paul Motte, Bursar and Keith Clark.
Following refreshments in the Principals Office, Her Majesty Queen Noor spoke to Naomi Hoare, the widow of Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare, by telephone.
Along with two second year students, Shanna Englehardt and Timothy Erskine, Queen Noor planted a time capsule in the castle grounds. The time capsule included notes and messages from current students along with a list of staff names and other reminders of the day. David Hawley, Principal of Pearson College UWC in Canada, arrived at the college following his cycle journey from Lands End to John O’Groats and later met with the Queen.
Her Majesty Queen Noor attended a Peace and Conflict Studies class before being escorted to lunch by two students, Sara Al-Masri and Mohammed Fakoury.
An assembly followed in the Bradenstoke Hall where student, Emma Woo (class of 2013), played the piano for the guests. A portrait of Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare and a new plaque commemorating the gift of St Donat’s Castle by Antonin Besse was unveiled.
Tea and cake was served in the Dining Hall where glasses were raised as a toast to the 50th anniversary of the college. Everyone present sang ‘Happy Birthday.’ Her Majesty Queen Noor proceeded to cut the 50th birthday anniversary cake and was later presented with flowers.
Before leaving, Her Majesty Queen Noor officially started the Atlantic Outdoor Centre Everest Challenge. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations and ‘Celebrate with Action,’ staff and students are planning on climbing the height of Everest on the AOC climbing tower. They will have to climb approximately 800 times to match the height of Everest within 24 hours.
Click here for gallery of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
