We were delighted to hear, back in the depths of the winter that our wonderful governor, Mrs Joan Bamber, had been awarded an MBE for her services to education in the New Year’s Honours list. Well, she had to wait a long time, but at the start of June, Joan got to go along to Buckingham Palace to receive her award – from the Queen. Joan was joined by members of her family and had a truely magnificent time – she tells us that when the Queen asked if her school was doing well, Joan replied to her that they were ‘outstanding’ – which we are! What a wonderful accolade for a very special lady. We all then had to wait even longer for Buckingham Palace to release the official photographs – but here is one of them finally. We like the photo because we think the Queen and Joan look like two ladies who probably have a lot in common – they are probably friends now! Well done Joan – so well deserved – and what a privilege it is to have you as one of our governors.