Hayley's visit to Alfred Salter School

[Stuart H]

Hi All

It's my privilege to start this thread to let you know that Hayley visited Alfred Salter school today to receive a cheque for £6,000-00 towards her "UNICEF Bikes for Ghana "Appeal.

Hayley arrived at 2.00pm sharp, brought to the school by Kathryn Nash, who played an invaluable role in organising the event. HWI were represented by Roger and Dave, and Steve, who took the photos as I was wearing my "headteacher" hat on this occasion. Andrew also flew down from Scotland; invited in recognition of his involvement in the school's UNICEF fundraising initiative from the outset.

UNICEF sent Georgina Annan from their London Office, who was accompanied by a colleague from the Education Department.

Hayley visited the Nursery and two classrooms before joining pupils from Years 1 to 6 in the main hall. Pupils sang Pokarekare Ana (sung to the pupils by Hayley last year on her visit.) which was very touching and Hayley really appreciated their efforts as they had learned all the words by heart.

Hayley then answered questions from pupils about her work with UNICEF and her visit to Ghana, and presented signed CDs to the highest individual fundraisers, and Chloe, a teacher at the school who ran the Dublin Marathon at the weekend.

Then Hayley was presented with a cheque for £6000-00, which represents 400 bicycles for girls in Ghana. The school and its pupils are very proud of this achievement.

The highlight of Hayley's visit was her rendition for the pupils of Prayer, sung Capella without a microphone. It was truly amazing. Pupils presented Kathryn with Flowers and Hayley a beautiful basket arrangement and she promised to come back to the school again soon.

Hayley spent about 20 minutes signing photos and being photographed by pupils with pupils. Following this, Hayley, Kathryn, our visitors from UNICEF, the school's leadership team and HWI representatives retired to an informal buffet where we were able to chat with Hayley and enjoy her company. Hayley left the school at 4pm, having given us two hours of her valuable time. She made this a memorable day for the staff pupils and guests. Thank you Hayley!

I am sure Roger, Dave and Andrew will write better reviews of the visit and Steve will provide a rich photographic record.

I'm exhausted!!!!!

Stuart

[roger]

First of all, I would like to that Stuart very much for inviting HWI to his school to witness this almost unique event. It was a privilege to see Hayley talking to the children about her involvement with UNICEF and, indeed to witness the children's obvious appreciation of her.

At the beginning of the event, Stuart introduced Hayley saying that she had had a remarkably busy week. She gave a concert in Canterbury Cathedral last friday, was a judge at the Chorister of the Year event in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, and then flew to Dublin for a short recording session.

As the children began to sing 'Pokarekare Ana' I noticed Hayley mouthed the words "Oh, wow"! She then mimed the words as they sang. I commented afterwards that I thought she was about to join in and she admitted that it had been difficult not to!

The children who had raised the most money (individually) each came prepared with a question for Hayley about her UNICEF work and, in particular, about the time she spent in Ghana. She mentioned that she hopes to go back there either next year or the year after. In her final answer, she explained that she had stayed in a very basic hotel whilst in Ghana and that it was uncomfortably hot. Nevertheless, she felt guilty because she knew that many people in the area were homeless and had little or no food and drank unpurified "brown" water which was almost certainly infested with Guinea worm. And she wants to go back there?

Hayley confirmed that enough money has been raised to provide 5,500 bikes for the girls of Ghana which will make such a difference to their lives. I believe this figure exceeds her original target by approximately ten per cent. Nevertheless, the campaign continues and HWI still have a link on the main site to UNICEF NZ in the hope that further donations will be made.

Thank you, Hayley, for a delightful afternoon. Thank you Kathryn for enabling Hayley to attend the school. Thank you Stuart for inviting HWI and for the hospitality. And finally, you can all thank me for not rambling on any longer!

Roger

[postscript]

I think the simple straight answer which is anything but simple is

WELL DONE ALL

A superb achievement by pupils. Unquestionably. Superb effort from Andrew flying down but... 2 hours with Hayley including private chat and interaction, who wouldn't pay that price?

Congratulations everyone but Hayley, bless you. You must have some idea of the effect you have but still cannot possibly know the emotion in everyone's hearts for diverse personal reasons of having so much private time with you.

God Bless You

Peter S.

[postscript]

A nice closing sentence, Roger, but that bit you could have cut out!

Otherwise you capture the mood superbly. I wait with excitement the photographs.

Peter S.

[Steve H]

Thank you Stuart for that introduction, and on behalf of the HWI members present, I would like to thank you and the members of your staff for their hospitality this afternoon, it was a truly memorable occasion, your hard work paid off, it ran like clockwork!

I will be posting many photographs over the next few days, but here are a few to start.

Steve

[postscript]

Gorgeous, just gorgeous. And what do those pictures show but what I always say about Hayley. She would be great to know just for the girl she is, the girl 'down the road' or 'next-door', never mind the fame bit.

God Bless You you wonderful girl.

And well done Stuart for running a wonderful school.

Peter S.

[Steve H]

Hayley spoke to many of the school children during her visit, she was clearly enjoying herself too!

Steve

[Steve H]

Hayley with Stuart in the assembly hall.



Hayley with one of the nursery children.



Hayley receiving a cheque for £6000 on behalf of UNICEF.

Steve

[roger]

Just a couple from me...

The notice board contains pictures of Hayley's previous visit to the school and advetises today's event.


According to the figures originally published at the beginning of the campaign, the amount of the cheque will pay for an additional 400 bikes.

Roger

[Steve H]

Hayley receives her basket of flowers.



Hayley asks for a round of applause for Stuart and his team.



Hayley listening to the children sing.

Steve

[thomas]

Hi Stuart!

Wow! What a great idea to aid Hayley's project with the fundraising initiative.
She must be very proud of you, the pupils and everybody involved.

These are great pictures, Steve and Roger. Hayley seems to have had a lot of fun this afternoon. What a wonderful person.

I've already donated to the "Bikes for Ghana" Appeal so this thread reminds me to donate again soon. I hope everybody will do the same! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Thomas

[1littlegirl]

That was so kind of Hayley to visit! She looks really cute in the pink sweater. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I am happy the school children were able to donate so much money to UNICEF.

[Steve H]

Nice pics Roger!

Hayley spent time signing autographs and having her photograph taken with the Photography Club which meets after school.

Steve

[Stuart H]

Thanks Thomas,

Hayley agreed to become a friend of the school last year and we hope this friendship will grow further. Hayley already seems to feel at home here and we show our commitment to her through our efforts to support causes dear to her heart.

She inspires the pupils with her special gifts.

Stuart

[Steve H]

Hayley with Stuart.



Hayley joking with some of the children.



Welcome back Hayley!

Steve