HRH The Earl of Wessex visits B.R.G.S.

31 October 2005

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The Earl of Wessex is to be the guest of honour at the official opening of the B.R.G.S. Sports Hall on Monday 31st October.

The completion of a new Sports Hall is a long-term ambition of the board of governors at BRGS and represents the generous support of former pupils, parents, staff and students.

Prince Edward’s visit comes a month before the scheduled completion date for the Sports Hall. The contractors have been working hard to finish the building work and the finishing touches will be completed after The Prince’s visit in time for the official completion date at the end of November.

With the support of the school, the Sports Hall Appeal Committee has reached over £940,000 out if its target of £1 million. Local companies, charitable trusts and private supporters have played a significant part in reaching £940,000 and a number of fundraising activities have been held. Black tie fundraising dinners, golf days, an 11 mile sponsored walk for over 600 students and staff sports days have been among the fundraising initiatives. Over the summer term, each year group took responsibility for organising their own fundraising events.

Alan Torevell, Chairman of the Sports Hall Appeal Committee: “We have been thrilled by the generosity of so many people who think so warmly of the school. Nonetheless, we still need to raise an additional £60,000 and we hope that we can count on people’s continued support. Even though externally the building looks finished, we still need to equip the sports hall.”

Headmaster, Marc Morris: “We are delighted that The Earl of Wessex is visiting B.R.G.S. and the Rossendale Valley. It is a great honour for the school and it will be a memorable day in our history for both students and staff.”

Guests at the official opening include Martyn Morris, former Headmaster at B.R.G.S. and his wife, Linda, who are travelling from their home in Devon for the special occasion. A small number of major supporters and advocates of the Sports Hall Appeal will also be in attendance.

During his visit, Prince Edward will also unveil a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award merit board listing over 20 students who have completed their Gold Award. Over lunch, His Royal Highness will make a presentation on The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to local companies.

His Royal Highness will meet students who are working towards their bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Students on the school’s Charities Committee and pupils who have made a significant contribution to fundraising for the Sports Hall will have an opportunity to meet Prince Edward. Students who have represented England in various sports will be presented to Prince Edward: Zara Moon (Endurance Horse Racing, Great Britain), David Groom (Judo), Rachel Henry (Netball) and Jonathan Haworth, Aden Woodall and Michael Hindle (Handball). In the Sports Hall there will be sport and dance exhibitions by students and as many pupils will be involved as possible by lining the route His Royal Highness will take to the school.