One of the most senior admirals of the British Navy dropped in to Porthleven Primary School to open its new play area.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel, was there to cut the ribbon to the new facilities which have been paid for from an Armed Forces Community Covenant grant.
Porthleven Primary School pulled out all the stops for the admiral’s visit, after he was invited by headmaster Duncan Ratcliffe to cut the ribbon on the £14,000 project.
This was built by a local company with help from parents and personnel from RNAS Culdrose.
It is the first stage in a much more ambitious project to improve facilities at the school, as well as forge closer links between Culdrose and the local Cornish community.
Headteacher Duncan Ratcliffe said: “It a fantastic achievement that has been a huge team effort between Porthleven School and the Royal Navy.
“We’ve had a lot of support from Culdrose and the children and I are very proud of them all. A big thank you has to go to, among others, Chief Petty Officer Jon Walsh, who's given up a lot of his spare time.”
Before cutting the ribbon and touring the school, the Second Sea Lord was treated to the school’s famous “signing choir,” who put on an animated performance for his visit, which proved to be very popular indeed.
Their special visitor commented on how “absolutely fantastic” it was to have witnessed such a special performance and thanked the children for bringing some bright sunshine of light to his afternoon.
“Well done to you all. It’s a real privilege for me to represent RNAS Culdrose, the Royal Navy and the Armed Force today at the school. It is absolutely outstanding what's been achieved here and I thank everyone at Culdrose for their involvement.”
The Community Covenant scheme has been an important bridge for Porthleven and the |Fleet Air Arm Base and the first stage success with the climbing apparatus and outdoor performance area has proved very popular with the children.
Leigh Yates, chair of the Porthleven School Parents and Teachers Association was also pleased that all the fundraising was successful.
She said: “To have the Second Sea Lord down to our school helping us celebrate was pretty amazing. His visit has to be the cherry on the cake and truly reflects our wonderful relationship with the Royal Navy.”
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