Students from Chantry Academy have been involved in some exciting activities for Suffolk Day that took place last week. The annual celebration, held on the longest day of the year, recognises inspirational institutions, landscapes, icons and attractions from across the county. 

English students in Years 9 and 10 from the school wrote and presented their Suffolk Day Proclamation at both the Cornhill in Ipswich and Westminster Hall in London, proudly representing the voice of the county of Suffolk. 

The proclamation was read out on the steps of the Cornhill on 21st June by the Lord Lieutenant and read out on the steps of parliament later that day by invitation of the MP.

At the Ipswich event, students gathered on the steps of the Cornhill, joined by Suffolk MPs including Therese Coffey, Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal. Reporters from local radio were also present to report on the events. 

“The buzz and sense of pride in Ipswich town centre were brilliant to witness. It was a very special morning and possibly the best Suffolk Day yet!” said Charlotte Spackman, Executive Producer - BBC Radio Suffolk 

A short excerpt from the proclamation, written by the students of Chantry Academy:

“On this day, the longest of the year, we look to a future full of opportunity and optimism.  As students from Chantry, we are proud to have the chance to represent our county and share the light that Suffolk can bring to us all.

We have freedom to be unique and to embrace diversity.  We enjoy hearing the myriad of languages spoken in Suffolk.  We are enriched by the wealth of different cultures - food, ideas, new contributions to our county.  Suffolk allows us to be brave: to be proud of our individual cultures; to have beliefs and to believe in people.”

One of the students involved said: “I love the inspiration, the influence and the history of Suffolk from modern history to ancient history. Suffolk has a strong line of community and success, so I’m very proud to be from Suffolk!”

Craig D'Cunha, Executive Headteacher of Chantry Academy said: “To be selected to have our students write the Suffolk Day Proclamation is an immense honour!”

A very proud moment for the school indeed.