The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday visited an inspirational sink-estate school which suffered devastation after it was attacked by arsonists just hours after news of her trip was announced.
The Willows Primary School on Manchester’s deprived Wythenshawe estate - which is used as a backdrop for the Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless – has been held up as a beacon of hope and is now rated by Ofsted as Outstanding.
But on April 11 the school’s new £40,000 playground was torched by vandals, razing an enormous climbing frame known as ‘The Fort’ to the ground.
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The Duchess of Cambridge showed off her baby bump on a visit to the Willows Primary School on the Wythenshawe estate yesterday
The royal, who is six months pregnant, was visiting Manchester to highlight M-PACT a new school counselling service designed for children whose parents suffer with drug or alcohol addiction
Kate raised eyebrows by choosing £1,065 designer dress by Canadian label Erdem for the visit to the poverty-stricken estate
The crime was a huge blow to teachers, parents and children who had just found out that they would be receiving an official visit by the 31-year-old royal.
Fortunately, however, the community has rallied round in a remarkable way, working round the clock to rebuild the playground in time for the royal visit.
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The Duchess, who is more than six months pregnant, was wearing a floral Erdem dress and blue suede heels, as she was greeted by hundreds of excited young children cheering and waving the national flag of England in honour of St George's Day.
Kate immediately went into a 40 minute private briefing with some of the children who have sought help and their counsellors.
Among those greeting her were star pupil Chloe Pomfret, ten, who presented a posy of roses and school 'executive dog' King Charles Cavalier Henry who was wearing a glittering union flag bow and presented a gorgeous gift hamper for William and Kate's dog, Lupo.
The Duchess appeared particularly delighted with Lupo's hamper and asked what was in it. 'Henry , you have gone to so much trouble,' she laughed.
Her blossoming bump was still small but much more visible in the £1.065 Sophia Visconti-bloom silk dress by Canadian designer Erdem.
Stylish Kate teamed the dress with navy suede heels and a boxy clutch bag.
Fire engulfed the children's fort at The Willows Primary School in Wythenshawe, Manchester earlier this month
The fire damaged fort at The Willows Primary School in Wythenshawe, Manchester
Members of the community helped clear up after the arson attack at the Willows Primary School ahead of the visit by the Duchess of Cambridge
Kate’s visit yesterday was designed to highlight a new school counselling programme called M-PACT, which is a partnership between the Duchess’ own Royal Foundation (which she co-chairs with Prince William and Prince Harry), Comic Relief, Place2Be and Action on Addiction. Kate recently agreed to become patron of the latter two organisations.
M-PACT (Moving Parents And Children Together) is designed to provide support for children affected by parental drugs or alcohol abuse.
Research suggests that more than a million youngsters nationwide are living in homes where their parents’ addictions have had a hugely detrimental impact on their lives and education.
For many children school can actually offer a positive, consistent environment, which can play a vital role in helping to overcome their difficulties at home.
Hundreds of children turned out to welcome the Duchess on St George's Day
Kate chose an expensive silk dress by Erdem for the occasion and her blossoming bump was still small but much more visible in the loose silk dress
M-PACT is a partnership between the Duchess' own Royal Foundation (which she co-chairs with Prince William and Prince Harry), Comic Relief, Place2Be and Action on Addiction
The children of Willows Primary School waved hundreds of flags for the Duchess of Cambridge
Kate spent a short time with the crowds of pupils before heading in to the classrooms to meet with parents and teachers
Bethany Regan (left) climbed a tree with her sisters to try and get a better view of the arrival of the Duchess of Cambridge
After her private meetings, the Duchess gave a short speech in which she spoke passionately about the issue of addiction.
She said: 'Addiction is a hugely complex and destructive disease and its impact can be simply devastating. All too often, lives and families can be shattered by it. Through my Patronage of Action on Addiction, I feel fortunate to have met a wide range of inspirational people who have overcome addiction. It is so encouraging to see that with the right help - like that of Action on Addiction - it can be conquered.'
She continued: 'But those who are addicted are not the only victims. I have been struck by the profound and deeply damaging impact it has on the children of affected parents. Research has shown that children of those who are addicted are seven times more likely to have addiction problems themselves. They are also brought up surrounded by fear, instability and chaos.
Duchess gets given dog treats for Lupo!
Research suggests that more than a million youngsters nationwide are living in homes where their parents' addictions have had a hugely detrimental impact on their lives and education
After private meetings with staff, including headteacher Ann Whitehead, the Duchess gave a short speech in which she spoke passionately about the issue of addiction
The Duchess of Cambridge listened to speeches by headteacher Ann Whitehead and comedian John Bishop
The Duchess of Cambridge made a passionate speech about the devastating effects that addiction can have on families and especially children
Kate said: 'Today, it gives me an enormous feeling of pride and excitement to launch a programme that will bring this research to life'
'Last year, I asked The Royal Foundation, which I share with William and Harry, to see what could be done to help these children. In partnership with Comic Relief, our Foundation commissioned a piece of research to explore this issue. Today, it gives me an enormous feeling of pride and excitement to launch a programme that will bring this research to life.
'Place 2 Be delivers exceptional specialist counselling services in schools. Action on Addiction’s M-PACT programme delivers life changing and expert support to families affected by addiction. The Royal Foundation has simply brought these two outstanding charities together to deliver a programme that will ensure Place 2 Be delivers exceptional specialist counselling services in schools.
'Action on Addiction’s M-PACT programme delivers life changing and expert support to families affected by addiction. The Royal Foundation has simply brought these two outstanding charities together to deliver a programme that will ensure that many children living with addicted parents will be identified, supported and guided to look towards a positive and hopefully, addiction free future.'
Kate Middleton gives inspirational speech on addiction in...
Kate said: 'Addiction is a hugely complex and destructive disease and its impact can be simply devastating. All too often, lives and families can be shattered by it'
The Duchess of Cambridge met staff and volunteers, teachers and parents at the school as she launched the programme
The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with a gift for her dog Lupo as she was introduced to school dog Henry
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge met the school dog Henry as she arrived at the school
Headteacher Ann Whitehead (left) said: 'We're determined to rebuild the fort with the help of the local community and others'
'I would like to thank The Royal Foundation for all that they have done to make this happen. Thank you also to Comic Relief, Place 2 Be and Action on Addiction for working so brilliantly with them. The cycle of addiction needs to be broken. My hope is that through this specialist and targeted delivery of care, these children will have the best possible start in life – the one that they deserve.'
Afterwards comedian and Comic Relief ambassador John Bishop gave a moving speech about the affect of addiction on young children but couldn't resist opening with a wise crack about being a Liverpudlian being brought to Manchester after their home team had won the Premier League for the 20th time with, he joked, 'the Duchess as a warm up act'.
The Willows, which has been open since 1999, has around 430 pupils and has been labelled outstanding by Ofsted for the last seven years.
Head teacher Anne Whitehead said of the vandal attack: 'It was such a shame as the school has been so inspirational that there hasn't been any trouble for many, many years.
'But the way the community has rallied round has been remarkable and so heartening. We have received so much in the way of donations that we are going to be able to build an extension to the playground which is marvellous.'
Before she left the Duchess went to the nursery class where she was presented with a willow tree for her garden at Kensington Palace and planted an identical one for the children.
Before she left the Duchess went to the nursery class where she was presented with a willow tree for her garden at Kensington Palace and planted an identical one for the children.
Kate was first to ceremonially wield a shovel-full of dirt as John Bishop joked: 'I can't believe you have got a pregnant woman shovelling dirt like this why I am standing around'
Afterwards Mr Bishop said: 'I think it is great that the royals are tackling raw, ugly, dirty and difficult issues such as addiction'
She was also given a large A3 book the children had written entitled: 'What do princesses do?'
Kate read a few excerpts out from it. 'Eat bananas? Yes I certainly do that. Dancing, yes that too. Eat sweets. Yes I like all those!'
Kate was first to ceremonially wield a shovel-full of dirt as John Bishop joked: 'I can't believe you have got a pregnant woman shovelling dirt like this why I am standing around.'
Pinned to the wall were several sweet drawings of Kate and her husband created with crayons by the children. Some had also written a few words about the Duchess to describe her saying: 'Her hair is brawn (sic), she works in a charity headquarters, she has lovely shoes, she plays hockey.'
Afterwards Mr Bishop said: 'I think it is great that the royals are tackling raw, ugly, dirty and difficult issues such as addiction. They could spend their time and money on the National Theatre and no-one would think anything wrong with it. But this is about people shooting up in toilets. It goes against type and it is fantastic. Addiction is harrowing for all those involved,' he said.
Kate attracted some other curious onlookers who gathered near the school to get a glimpse of her
Security was tight around the school for the royal visit
Police officers checked every part of the school in the security operation ahead of Kate's visit
Sniffer dogs were brought in to sweep the school for explosives before Kate's arrival
While it had not been possible to rebuild the climbing frame in time for Kate's visit since the arson attack, an army of volunteers wielding buckets and brooms had helped to clear up the area for yesterday’s engagement while a local business, Creative Play, re-laid a new surface so there was no sign of the fire that wreaked such devastation.
‘We're determined to rebuild the fort with the help of the local community and others and have had offers already from companies wanting to help us with this,’ said head teacher Ann Whitehead.
‘We were all devastated when we heard about the fire. But we're not going to let them beat us.
‘The response has been so overwhelming and restored my faith. People just turned up out of nowhere to help clear the place up.’
The Wythenshawe estate is the backdrop for Channel 4 comedy Shameless
Shameless Frank Gallagher compares himself to the Queen
Greater Manchester Police Inspector Caroline Hemmingway added: ’These arson attacks caused significant damage but could easily have resulted in far more serious consequences if the fire had spread to the school.
‘There has been an overwhelming response from the community, local residents, students, councillors, community wardens, police officers and staff have been out in force and have between them pledged to rebuild the playground.’
Housing almost 70,000 people, the notorious, sprawling Wythenshawe estate – sandwiched to the south of Manchester between the M56 and the city’s airport - is the second biggest of its kind in Europe and has been plagued by unemployment, crime and social disorder.
When David Cameron visited the estate in 2007 as part of his much-maligned ‘hug a hoodie’ campaign, a young local was pictured behind him pretending to cock a gun against his head.
Then in 2009 another royal Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, famously tried to help locals as part of a ridiculed ITV documentary dubbed The Duchess and The Estate in which she spent 10 days living and working there.
In recent years, however, new funds have been ploughed into Wythenshawe as part of a major programme of re-development. The area’s schools, particularly its primary schools, are a particular success story.
A tired looking Duchess arrived back at London's Euston station yesterday evening covering her designer dress in a simple single-breasted cream coat
Meanwhile her sister Pippa opened new facilities at the Mary Hare School for deaf children yesterday in Berkshire
All smiles: Pippa posed with the school's Willow Hare sculpture during her visit
Big day: Pippa met some of the hard-of-hearing children who attend the Mary Hare school during the visit
Benita Refson, chief executive of Place2Be, said: ‘We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Action of Addiction which will help our two organisations reach even more of the children and their families that need our help and to provide them with expert support, ensuring that they face better prospects and brighter futures.
‘We are tremendously grateful that the Duchess of Cambridge is supporting this project and attending the launch.’
Meanwhile, sister Pippa also spent the day at school, this time visiting the Mary Hare School for deaf children.
Recently appointed an ambassador for the school, Pippa met pupils and posed for pictures with a large wicker rabbit during the visit.
THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE SWAPS HIGH STREET FOR HIGH FASHION
During her pregnancy 31-year-old Kate has continued to wear non-maternity fashion.
Yesterday she chose a demure £1,065 knee-length silk dress by Canadian designer Erdem featuring his signature 'Visconti-bloom' print, with her six month bump clearly visible underneath.
The tunic style dress features elbow-length sleeves and a square neckline and is billed as an elegant alternative to a little black dress.
Kate dressed her bump in a £1,065 Sophia Visconti-bloom silk dress by Erdem
As the dress appears on the Matches.com website, where it is billed as an elegant alternative to the LBD
MEANWHILE THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL HAS 'BIG LUNCH' DATE IN LONDON
A potential future Queen met a soap Queen yesterday when the Duchess of Cornwall and Barbara Windsor joined forces to honour community champions.
Camilla presented awards to local leaders who have helped improve their neighbourhoods after taking part in the annual Big Lunch initiative.
Windsor, 75, a former EastEnders actress, is London Mayor Boris Johnson's street party ambassador and helped judge the Big Lunch Community Awards.
The Big Lunch Community Awards were launched to celebrate the impact that has been made to communities during the first five years of the Big Lunch, an annual get-together for neighbours
The scheme celebrates the annual get together started by the Eden Project in 2009 which challenges people to sit down to lunch with their neighbours in a bid to foster friendship.
Big Luncher Jess Phillips, 31, accepted the award on behalf of the residents of Westfield Road in Birmingham, which began holding communal lunches after a series of arson attacks left people insecure with some wanting to sell their homes and move out of the area.
Ms Phillips, who was joined at Clarence House by her seven-year-old son Harry, has been organising the event in her street since 2010 and said the initiative has led to other community activities like a 'clean up day'.
She added: 'I think there's somebody like me in every street in the country and it's just a case of finding them.
'Nobody's stopped me doing these nice things for our street, if people decide to take the first step and knock on their neighbour's door that's all they have to do.'
The Duchess of Cornwall hosted the Big Lunch Community Awards in the garden room at Clarence House, actress Barbara Windsor was amongst the guests
Windsor joked that when she grew up in Bethnal Green in London's East End there were street parties all time.
She said: 'It's been a pleasure to be part of the Big Lunch Community Awards and it's a great honour to be invited to Clarence House to meet these five, incredibly deserving, communities.'
The five finalists, two from England and one from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, were selected out of 35 shortlisted communities from hundreds of applicants from across the UK.
They will each receive a garden bench for their communities and the Duchess and the actress posed for a picture on one of the seats with the winners.
Camilla is the patron of the Big Lunch and will attend an event when this year's get together is held on June 2.
The winners included Ethel Street in Neath, South Wales, which has taken part in the Big Lunch since 2009, and organisers Emma Knight and 17-year old Joel Al-Hattab, accepted the award.
The Duchess of Cornwall with Harry Phillips from Birmingham who collected an award on behalf of Westfield Road Birmingham
Rutherglen in South Lanarkshire was another winner and its nominee Dr Srihari Vallabhajousula collected the trophy for the positive effect the lunches, held at the South Indian Cultural Centre, have had.
Martin Sawers and Silvio Solorzano held a Big Lunch in Attley Court in Northamptonshire last year and were honoured for using the event to build links within their community.
Paul Kerrigan and Conor McCarry, from Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, were presented with the final award, in recognition of their lunch which played an important part in strengthening community relations between the residents of Ballycastle and neighbouring Rathlin Island.Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Big Lunch and Cornwall's Eden Project, said: 'It just shows that a simple knock on a neighbour's door can lead to much, much more - not only a day of food and fun but lasting friendships, stronger, more sustainable communities and, for many, an irreplaceable sense of security.'