Warm welcome for Princess on visit to school and university

HERE were smiles all round when the Princess Royal visited a school for deaf children to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

- by MOLLY SEAMAN

The Princess Royal visited the Deaf Academy in Exmouth as it celebrates its 200th anniversary

(GRW Photography/The Deaf Academy)

The visit on Friday, May 8, was part of a vibrant programme of events marking the bicentenary of the Exmouth-based Deaf Academy, which is the oldest deaf school in England.

The princess met students, staff, trustees, governors, supporters and local dignitaries, as well as representatives from leading national deaf charities. She also spent time learning about the academy's work and its impact on young deaf people.

Princess Anne also visited the University of Exeter's St Luke's Campus, where she was awarded a honorary degree of laws.

The toured public health and sports sciences facilities, which included learning about research to help rehabilitate horse riders who obtain injury, among other areas of activity, due to her equestrian interests.

At the Deaf Academy, students shared their experiences of life at the school and took part in a programme of creative sessions, including a British Sign Language-led poetry workshop with award-winning deaf poet Raymond Antrobus, fun with a bubble fairy in the new outdoor sensory play area and an African drumming workshop.