CHILDREN at Thundersley Primary School this week finally managed to hold their traditional May Day celebrations after two years of Covid-19 restrictions and postponement due to bad weather.


They made up for lost time with lots of fun activities. The May Court procession started the proceedings to the loud cheers of the watching crowd and then took to their thrones to oversee the event. 
The May King and Queen were then crowned by Paul Harrod, chair of governors, who is retiring from the post this year. 
The event was also attended by the mayor of Castle Point, Martin Tucker. 
After the crowning, the rest of the school participated in country dancing with the very youngest children in early years foundation stage dancing to Cotton Eyed Joe in their checked shirts and jeans and the Year 6 children taking part in four traditional May Pole dances. 
Headteacher, Emma Dawson, said: “After two missed years, it was wonderful to once more hold our May Day celebrations with our community. 
“We were honoured to be joined by the mayor of Castle Point, Martin Tucker, and the children were excited to meet him. 
“Paul Harrod, our chair of governors is stepping down after more than ten years and we were delighted to have him crown the May King and Queen. 
“We had the most amazing support from our parents, who turned out in their droves, and the joy on the children’s’ faces was a sight to see. It was well worth the two year wait!”


Year 6 children voted for who they wanted to be the May royalty. May King was Leo Field, and May Queen was Heidi Wood, KS2 Princes Bear was Norton and Callum Axford, KS2 Princesses were Annabelle Monk and Grace Honey and KS1 Princes were Teddy Thompson and Ethan Fitzmaurice, KS1 Princesses were Isla Reeves and Poppy Ferdinando-Hemmings.
Heidi Wood, the May Queen, said: “I will remember this as one of the best days of my life.” 
May King Leo Field, said: “The whole morning was really good fun and it felt like I was famous.”