LADY KATHERINE Leveson Foundation in Temple Balsall welcomed The Duke of Gloucester to mark the charity’s 350th anniversary.
Solihull Mayor, Councillor Shahin Ashraf formally welcomed the Duke to Lady Katherine Leveson School before the school’s choir sang two of their favourite songs for him.
After taking time to thank the children and speak with the Headteacher, Neil Kitching, the Duke then met members of the congregation and some of the Foundation Governors, who each had a story to tell about the part they play in the life of the Foundation.
The children also presented the Duke with a book on Temple Balsall’s history, to say thank you for visiting.
He was accompanied on his tour around the site by West Midland’s Deputy Lieutenant Sir Christopher Ham and the Mayor of Solihull, .
The party then made their way to the Old Hall, originally built as the Preceptory of the Knight’s Templars, to meet with the current Knight’s Templar’s group who greeted His Royal Highness in full regalia, explaining their links to Temple Balsall and presenting him with a gift.
The final stop on the tour was down the Bread Walk and through the ornate iron gates of Lady Katherine Housing and Care.
The Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson was set up in 1674 by the granddaughter of Sir Robert Dudley – Lady Katherine who made provision for a school for ‘poor boys’ and alms houses for ‘the spinsters of the parish’.
Fast forward to modern times and the Foundation still thrives with the school becoming Lady Katherine Leveson Primary School, the alms houses remaining as Lady Katherine Housing and Care and the church of St Mary of the Virgin, the beating heart of the community.
Nic Hammett, Foundation governor, said: “Having the Duke of Gloucester visit Temple Balsall and experience the legacy of Lady Katherine being lived out in the modern day was a momentous end to our year of celebration.
“It was a fabulous opportunity for our small but flourishing community to come together, from the youngest children in the school to the oldest residents of the care home. A truly memorable day for all.”
