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Maria visits Buckingham Palace

As a thank you for all her hard work over the past few years as Chairman of Governors at Abbey Gate College, the governing body organised for Chair of Governors, Maria Heywood, to receive an invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

The event was in July but, being incredibly modest, Maria has just been persuaded to describe her afternoon in the presence of royalty.  

“We met some fascinating people among the thousands who were there, including lots of service men and women from all ranks.  Also, bishops from all over the world, the Royal Chaplains, priests, and lots of people were there because of their charitable work in the community. We felt very honoured to be there” said Maria.  “It was a fascinating afternoon and a lovely idea from my fellow governors”.  

Maria leads a very loyal and hard working governing body and they were praised in the most recent ISI Inspection report where it stated,
 
“The active involvement of an outstanding governing body in the work and life of the college ensures that the aims of the whole college are fulfilled. Together, the governors provide their experience and considerable expertise to ensure that the college takes advantage of every possible opportunity to foster the academic and personal progress of each student”.

Picture shows Maria and her husband Kelvin outside the palace