School visit changed perceptions
PRINCE PHILIP’S visit to Radlett to open Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in 2000 was an opinion changer for many of those present, recalled the school’s then headteacher Michele Bazak.
Now retired, Ms Bazak, 72, from Borehamwood, told the JC that the warm demeanour shown by the Prince towards pupils, staff and supporters was a stark contrast to many people’s view of his public persona 20 years ago.
“At that time specifically, what you remembered of the Duke of Edinburgh was he made gaffes. You balked at what he said.
“Therefore, when he came and presented himself as this warm, friendly, lovely person, it made an enormous impression.”
Ms Bazak added that the royal visit often came up in conversation with staff who were there on the day. “It was significant in our lives. We’ll often touch base and mention it. It changed everybody’s view of the Duke of Edinburgh.”
The visit was a result of Prince Philip’s friendship with HJPS benefactor Stanley Cohen, who donated the land the school was built on.
Arriving by helicopter, he was greeted by dozens of pupils who performed songs in Hebrew and English.
Others at the ceremony included then Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and former Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush.
The royal guest put everyone at ease, Ms Bazak said. “He was very inquisitive about the school, how it was built. He went into every classroom. He spoke to the children and engaged very well with them, very warmly.”
In an unplanned address, he had spoken “so beautifully about the children” and made the audience laugh with a joke about pupils attending school during half-term. “We were all blown away with the wonderful speech he made off the cuff.”
And as the visit ended, the Prince turned back and wished Ms Bazak “every success” in her role. “That was a very touching moment.”