Southam ‘Homecoming’ for Archbishop
On Thursday 3rd May, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited Southam St. James as part of celebrations for the centenary of Coventry Diocese and also because his children came to the school.
Before he walked through the guard of honour made by Reception, the children thought he was going to be boring but, when they met him properly, they found him very amusing especially from the reactions to his questions. Edward in Year 6 said, “I was very surprised by Archbishop Justin because I expected him to be formal but he was very inspiring and humorous.” Ronnie in Reception asked him, “Are you looking forward to the Royal Wedding?” He replied, “I am excited and nervous because last time I blessed the rings I tilted the Bible and they rolled off and when I looked down at them they were gone!”
Next, the children sang hymns and they read out their own prayers. Having been the old vicar of St. James church and a school Governor, he was glad to see the children’s progress at school and he was astounded by the display of their cross of nails artwork that was in the school hall.
Close to the end, Daniel, age 10, presented the Archbishop with a hand-made Crozier made by Mr. King (the Executive Headteacher’s husband) crafted from the finest wood and buffalo skin. He was delighted by it and said he was going to keep it so he could use it at Lambeth Palace for the Royal wedding. His wife, Caroline, was also given a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
In the end, Year 6 made a guard of honour for Caroline and Justin. In a few weeks, Justin is going to the wedding for Prince Harry and Megan and he is going to use the Crozier from Southam St. James. Hopefully the rings don’t disappear again!