Royal visitor officially opens Sedlescombe charity centre

The Duke of Gloucester officially opened a new building at Pestalozzi International Village which will provide a ‘high-quality learning environment’ for its multi-cultural students and the wider community.

Prince Richard has been a patron of the charity for 43 years and praised everyone involved in bringing the Pestalozzi Centre to fruition after unveiling the commemorative plaque.

“I hope in years to come, as people use the Pestalozzi Centre, it will become a vibrant part of not only your community but also the wider community, and I’d like to congratulate the designers, the builders and all those who made it possible,” he said.

The royal visitor was met by Vice-Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Sara Stonor on arrival at the Sedlescombe centre.

He was presented to trust chairman Derek Blackman, East Sussex County Council chairman Colin Belsey, Rother District Council (RDC) chairman James Carroll and Pestalozzi’s chief executive Susan Walton.

In keeping with Pestalozzi’s multi-cultural spirit, students performed three rituals to bless the building; the first being the burning of incense at the entrance.

Secondly, the Duke was asked to light a candle as part of a Nepalese ceremony and then, following a Tibetan tradition, he scattered seeds blessed by the Dalai Lama to bestow luck on the building.

Pestalozzi’s patron also received the gift of two Tibetan Khata, white scarves, from student Chok Tsering and staff member Kalsang Yangkey. Student and Hastings Youth Council secretary Bigyan Regmi concluded proceedings with a moving and inspirational speech about his educational journey and his ambitions.

“It has taken a long time for the Pestalozzi Centre to become a reality and we were delighted that so many people who have been part of the process were able to join us today,” Ms Walton said.

The Duke also visited Hastings yesterday where he also opened a skate park and had fish and chips at the Jerwood Gallery.

For more photos, see tomorrow’s Observer.

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