27 NOVEMBER 2008
Banbury welcomes the Queen
Our Year 9 BBC News School Reporters were given exclusive permission, by the Royal Press Office, to be in the press pit during the Queen's visit to Banbury. The following are their reports on this exciting event:

Today the Queen and Prince Phillip came to town to view the amazing Banbury 400 Charter and to see the Leonard Cheshire Homes being opened. Today we were there to document the Queen’s visit and to get everyone’s opinion on the fantastic occasion. We saw a lot of the amazing things today, one being the Queen only 2ft away from us but the best bit in my opinion was when Prince Phillip spoke to me and Arran. I felt so happy to do this today and I would love to do it again in the future. Today was the best experience I have ever had in school and the BBC NEWS SCHOOL REPORT was the best support for us and they were very happy to help which was good. Today was a once in life time experience and I think that everyone should get a chance to do this as it is great and I thank both of the teachers, Mr Nowell, Mrs Dale, Alice from sixth form and Zoe from BBC for helping us and giving us all great support.    By George (13)

The reason the Queen and Prince Philip came to Banbury was because of the 400 year Charter that Banbury was granted; she also opened the new Leonard Cheshire Home.

The Queen was wearing a red jacket and a deep red long skirt and a matching deep red hat. I filmed the Queen outside the town hall and when she arrived with her police escorts on horses and motorbikes. I interviewed the Lord Lieutenant and that was good because he told us about his role - he plans the Queen‘s visits and is always in the same place as the Queen.

I was there for the BBC News School Report and it has confirmed that I would like to work in this industry when I finish school. I felt happy that I saw the Queen for the first time in my life and we spoke to Prince Philip and we made him laugh. In my opinion today was fantastic and I would love to do something like this again.   By Arran (13)

Today the Queen visited Banbury to celebrate 400 years of Charter. Before she came to the town centre she visited Leonard Cheshire Homes to open it. I was here today to document the Queen’s visit. I saw the Queen being escorted into the town centre by the police, when she was being driven in, the crowd was amazing and cheering her on. Today was one of the best days of my life. The primary school kids enjoyed it, it was a life experience for them. But on the down side  I was disappointed because I was standing outside the British heart foundation and the teachers of the primary schools pushed us to the back to fit the children in, this was disappointing for me.   By Chris (14)

Four hundred years ago Banbury was granted a Charter; to mark this special occasion the Queen visited our market town. The reason why we went there was to represent Banbury School and give the Queen some flowers. I saw the car with the Queen inside and also the Duke of Edinburgh, they were lead by the police on the horses and on the motorcycles. I also saw all the primary school children enjoying themselves. There were lots of body guards around her for protection. I felt cold and also happy and as well as a big warm feeling inside to be invited. It was really difficult because it was really crowded and we were being pushed about. The way I would describe today is the best day of my life, my opinion is also that today was really brilliant. This was BBC News School Report.   By Samantha (14)

As soon as I found out I was going to see the Queen I felt privileged that I’d been picked for this very special event. We were there to film and photograph for the BBC News School Report. We saw the Queen drive past being escorted by police on motor bikes, and we saw her leave the Town Hall.
I think the experience of filming and photographing with the equipment was amazing. I loved it! It’s confirmed for me my love of photography and my desire to work in that field once I have finished school. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about today was being pushed out of the way by primary school teachers.    By Claire  13

Today on the 27th November, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip visited Banbury in celebration of the 400 Year Charter. She also opened a care home for the disabled.
With BBC News School Report, we went to watch and film the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they arrived and walked around the crowds of the excited people of Banbury. Although I am 16 and unable to technically participate with BBC News School Report, I went along to guide and mentor the younger students in their report in my role as the editor of the Banbury Blazer.
When I was in year 9, I never had the opportunity to participate in the type of things that the Banbury School year 9 students got to do today. I watched the two students’ film and interview onlookers and document the Royal couple themselves and I could see how excited they were. I spoke to George about him speaking to Prince Philip, and he described it as, “The best moment of my life.” It was clear on all of the year 9 faces how proud they were of the opportunity that the BBC News School Report had given them, and I know I would have loved the same opportunity when I was their age.
The Queen looked as elegant as expected in a deep red coat and matching hat. A woman standing next to me in the crowd with tears in her eyes said, “She’s so tiny, she looks beautiful.”
Out of any of the onlookers of today’s events, the primary school children were by far the most excited by her Majesty’s visit to Banbury. Waving their union jack flags manically and cheering as her car drove past them, they brought a smile to everybody’s face. 
Even the bitter November cold couldn’t stop the cheer and spirit of the day as all around me in every direction were smiling faces. I know BBC News School Report really captured the whole event perfectly, and nobody involved with the Queen’s visit will ever forget it.    By Alice (16)