On the occasion of his 75th Birthday, King Charles III visited the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA), co-founded by OW Richard Kennell (1986). His Majesty The King was in attendance for the official launch of the Coronation Food Project, a new scheme aiming to bridge the gap between food need and food waste.

 

 

Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the King met and chatted with staff and volunteers from a range of organisations, including our very own Rose Hill Community Larder, to learn more about the many ways in which food waste can be used for social good.

Lower Sixth pupil Elliot described his experience of the event: “Getting to meet both the King and Queen was truly an unforgettable experience. Around 100 people were waiting in the warehouse from about 11 am, until Their Majesties’ arrival at 1 pm, but those 2 hours flew by because of the mounting suspense. When they came into the room everyone was silent – we were all star-struck! As they made the rounds, shaking so many hands and talking to so many people, I got to have a quick chat with both King Charles and Queen Camilla, and we talked about both the Community Larder and school, which was genuinely surreal. A memory I’ll cherish forever!”

"A memory I’ll cherish forever!"

Elliot, Lower Sixth pupil

Community Larder Coordinator, Mrs Engin, added: “I’m particularly thrilled that Their Majesties had an opportunity to speak with some of the wonderful young people who support and benefit from these vital food rescue and community-building activities.”

 

The visit was covered by BBC South Today on Afternoon News on BBC1. Please see the video below.