HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Newman Catholic College to Celebrate Gardening and Community Work

On 7th May 2025, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Newman Catholic College in Harlesden, South Brent, to celebrate the school’s outstanding work in gardening and community outreach. The visit, arranged by the London Children’s Flower Society (LCFS)  of which The Duchess is Patron ,  was a proud moment for both the school and the wider community.

A School Making a Difference

Newman Catholic College was chosen for this special visit by Emma-Jane McGrath, Director of LCFS, in recognition of its vibrant gardening programme and strong community support, including foodbank and garden initiatives.

The school’s journey with the LCFS began in 2022, through the Planting in the Playground Project, a collaboration with the Jack Petchey Foundation. This initiative helped schools across London create green spaces using planters, tools, and seeds – encouraging students to connect with nature in a hands-on way.

Newman Catholic College soon stood out, winning a Gold Certificate in gardening competitions, and in 2023, the school was awarded the Lucy Watson Cup as Trophy Award Winners at a special ceremony at London Guildhall, presented by Alan Titchmarsh MBE, LCFS President.

A Warm Welcome and Memorable Moments

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Mei Sim Lai OBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant of Brent, along with dignitaries from Brent Council, school governors, and LCFS representatives.

“HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh greets LCFS Director Emma-Jane McGrath at Newman Catholic College.”

 

Led by staff and students, including the Sixth Form Enrichment Gardening Club, The Duchess toured the school’s memorial and entrance gardens. As a lasting tribute, she planted a ‘Duchess of Edinburgh Clematis’.

Visiting the Foodbank and Community Garden

The Duchess also visited the school’s Foodbank, launched during the pandemic in partnership with Caritas. Now an essential service for local families, it is run by Assistant Headteacher Ms Sue Grace and a team of dedicated volunteers, including students. Her Royal Highness was presented with a jar of homemade strawberry jam by the foodbank team.

In the school’s Community Garden, she met project leads Dr Tony Burch and Ms Katie Pascoe, and learned how the garden provides fresh produce to local foodbanks including NCC and Sufra, thanks to a team of NW10-based volunteers.

       

Connecting with Students and Staff

Her Royal Highness met with many members of the school community, including Deputy Headteacher Ms Sue Murphy, the Student Council Chairs, the Head Boy and Head Girl, and Ms Priya Patel, a Link Worker from the AllChild charity. A highlight for many was her time with Apollo, the school’s beloved therapy dog.

To commemorate the visit, Headteacher Mr Andrew Dunne presented The Duchess with:

  • A Jubilee Year of Hope badge designed by Head of Art Ms Sachelle Linton
  • A portrait of St John Henry Newman, painted by Year 10 student Osman Mohammed
  • A bouquet of flowers

A Visit to Remember

For many students, this was their first time meeting a member of the Royal Family an unforgettable experience. Her Royal Highness left a deep impression on everyone she met, engaging warmly and genuinely throughout the day.

Her Royal Highness’s visit shone a spotlight on the importance of getting young people involved with nature. It was a powerful reminder of how gardening and environmental education can transform lives and strengthen communities, especially in urban areas where green space is limited.

A Milestone for School Gardening

This visit marked a significant moment for the London Children’s Flower Society, highlighting the life-changing potential of gardening in schools. It also raised awareness of the LCFS’s mission: to connect young people with nature, build community spirit, and promote environmental responsibility.

“It is an immense honour to have Her Royal Highness as our Patron,” said Emma-Jane McGrath, Director of LCFS. “Her warmth and passion inspire others to support our mission and celebrate the impact of school gardening.”

“Her support is not just symbolic,  it affirms the incredible work of every student, teacher, and volunteer involved in creating greener, kinder communities.”