Supported Learning catering students cooked a roast pork lunch with sweet potato parcels and seasonal vegetables, alongside Coronation Quiche and an apple crumble, for guests to enjoy in the college’s bistro.
The bistro was transformed into a street party with bunting, tablecloths, and hats, with health and social care students curating party activities on the afternoon – including a Royal themed quiz and pass the parcel game.
Katherine Webb, 22 from Warwick, was one of the Supported Learning students cooking lunch on the day. She said: “I’m really looking forward to the Coronation and it was great to be involved in this event. The lunch looked very good and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”
Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, also joined guests at the college for lunch. He spoke with the students that had cooked the Coronation lunch and took time to sit down, talk and eat with guests from Headway.
He also read out a letter to the guests which he had been sent by His Majesty the King ahead of the Coronation.
Tim, who is the King’s representative in the county, said: “It was an honour to join everyone for lunch at Royal Leamington Spa College as they prepared to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty the King.
“WCG does valuable work across Warwickshire with people of varying ages and it was great to see so many people celebrating, not only here but at other WCG colleges in the region as well.
“In my role as Lord Lieutenant, I always enjoy any opportunity to speak with people in the community and it was my pleasure to chat with staff and students at the college, alongside guests from Headway Coventry and Warwickshire. I hope everyone had a wonderful lunch.”
Headway is a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information service. Its support groups are free-to-attached to anyone connected with brain injury. Headway Coventry and Warwickshire is based at Warwick Community Centre, Coventry Salvation Army and Newtown Community Centre in Nuneaton.
Tash Dhansay, support coordinator for Headway Coventry and Warwickshire, added: “The group loves to come here to the college and we normally come for a meal around Christmas time. When the college asked if we would like to come again, we said we would love it.
“The group love to socialise and share advice with each other and this was a great opportunity to do that. We’re all excited to celebrate the Coronation this weekend.”
Carol Savage, Supported Learning curriculum leader at Royal Leamington Spa College, added: “This was a marvellous experience for our students and they all really enjoyed having the chance to put on this celebratory event.
“The students were involved from start to finish, from preparing the food, to serving and organising activities. We hope our guests enjoyed their lunch and the opportunity to start the celebrations early for Coronation Weekend.”
