Memories of Queen Elizabeth II opening Parmiter's School in Garston

Picture agency Getty Images reported her late majesty wore a mink coat and a beret style hat when she officially opened Parmiter’s School on a bitterly cold December 11, 1981.

A Watford Observer photographer was present to capture the historic scenes for the school, as the Queen was introduced to dignitaries and guests, and visited classrooms where she clearly took a keen interest in lessons as she took time to speak to teachers and pupils.

There was heavy snowfall for the royal visit (Image: Watford Observer)

The Queen also laid the foundation stone of the new English and drama classroom block during her visit which commemorated the tercentenary of Thomas Parmiter’s bequest.

Her Majesty is introduced to dignitaries and guests (Image: Watford Observer)

The wealthy East London silk merchant died in 1681 and left two farms in Suffolk in his will to provide £30 per year for six almshouses and £100 per annum for “one free school house or room for ten poor children” at Bethnal Green, London.

What's on TV? (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through these pictures from our archive which captured the moment The Queen unveiled a plaque which read: “This plaque was unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen on 11th December 1981 to mark the official opening of Parmiter’s School in Garston.”

A visit to a cookery lesson (Image: Watford Observer)

The Queen is paying close attention to what this pupil is demonstrating (Image: Watford Observer)

A visit to a metal work class (Image: Watford Observer)

Queen Elizabeth was clearly in a relaxed mood during her visit (Image: Watford Observer)

A visit to the school library (Image: Watford Observer)

Time for a chemistry lesson (Image: Watford Observer)

In conversation with a teacher (Image: Watford Observer)

Something has caught Her Majesty's eye... (Image: Watford Observer)

A teacher keeps a close eye as a student uses a bunsen burner (Image: Watford Observer)

Pupils give Her Majesty a guard of honour (Image: Watford Observer)

A packed assembly hall with one or two pupils distracted by the photographer's camera (Image: Watford Observer)

The Queen unveils the plaque to officially declare the school open (Image: Watford Observer)

Her Majesty signs an official document (Image: Watford Observer)

Queen Elizabeth II is applauded on stage (Image: Watford Observer)