Esher Staff Honoured at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
On Tuesday 14 May, two of Esher Sixth Form College’s most long serving and dedicated staff members, Jo Canessa and Sue Ockleford, were honoured at a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The event, held in celebration of individuals working in education and skills, brought together hundreds of invited guests from across the country.
Jo and Sue were nominated by the College in recognition of their exceptional commitment to both education and the Esher community. Jo Canessa, Librarian and Manager of the Learning Resource Centre, has devoted 20 years to the College, following nearly two decades in the Army Education Library Service. Sue Ockleford, a Teacher of English, has an outstanding 35 years of service at Esher, since qualifying in 1986.
Sue attended the garden party with her daughter Eloise, a former Esher student and reflected on the experience saying: “My daughter and I had a wonderful time exploring the gardens, meeting some wandering geese, delighting in the delicious afternoon tea and the rousing brass bands – two of them playing in different parts of the garden. There were literally hundreds of people present, but at no point did we feel crowded. A shared experience we will treasure. Thank you for nominating me.”
Jo was joined by her daughter Michaela, who is also a teacher. Speaking about the day, she said: “We loved all of it – especially the tea, which was piping hot and absolutely perfect! Queen Camilla dazzled in white, and both the King and Queen spent a full hour chatting with guests before retiring to the royal tent for their own tea. The palace gardens were picture-perfect, with stunning views over the lake. The best bit? Sipping tea, enjoying delicious cakes, soaking up the sunshine and royal hospitality!”
The College would like to sincerely thank Sue and Jo for their years of outstanding service.
