PICTURES: Astronaut Tim Peake delights school students ahead of big day

Chichester astronaut Tim Peake spent this morning amazing school students with space facts and selfies ahead of his freedom ceremony on Sunday.
Tim Peake with Chichester High School executive principal Yasmin MaskatiyaTim Peake with Chichester High School executive principal Yasmin Maskatiya
Tim Peake with Chichester High School executive principal Yasmin Maskatiya

Tim visited Chichester High School to talk to children about his time in space, near 28 years since he graduated from the school.

Tracey Waller, marketing and publicity coordinator for the school, said: “He’s an absolute delight, the kids adore him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The whole school stopped and were glued to Tim talking about his adventures.

Tim's speech to Year 7 (pictured) was broadcast across the school to other students by videoTim's speech to Year 7 (pictured) was broadcast across the school to other students by video
Tim's speech to Year 7 (pictured) was broadcast across the school to other students by video

“I think he was quite overwhelmed.”

As preparations continue for Tim’s Freedom of Chichester ceremony on Sunday, the former helicopter pilot answered questions from the students.

Tracey added: “Some questions were fun and some were quite deep, like: ‘did you have any arguments on the space station?’.

“He said ‘no we are all trained before we go and we are all a similar personality’.”

Anyone for a selfie?Anyone for a selfie?
Anyone for a selfie?
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was clear from the way pupils were hanging on Tim’s every word that he is still a huge source of inspiration for the school.

Tracey said: “We have got some of our Year 7 students that were beside themselves that they were able to meet him.

“He has walked these floors. He has been here and looked at what he has achieved.

“He said you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Are you excited to about Tim coming to Chichester on Sunday but couldn’t get tickets? Here’s everything you need to know.

Related topics: