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The Duke Of Kent's Visit |
| Posted on: Friday, 30th November, 2007 |
| Category: News > News |
The Duke said he was delighted to unveil a commemorative plaque to officially open the £1.6 million sports hall, which is also used by more than 30 community groups and clubs and is already having a major impact on sports provision locally.
He said: "I am pleased to come to your school. I have been to a number of schools but not a sports college, so it has been interesting to see. This magnificent Sports Hall has clearly been of enormous benefit."
He said he was pleased to see young tennis players. "Perhaps we will see some of them playing in championships some day!"
On arrival at Bishop Barrington, the Duke was formally welcomed by Head Teacher, Bruce Guthrie, civic leaders, dignitaries, and the school's Head Boy and Head Girl, Anthony Elgy, and Samantha Robson.
Ben Johnson, Director of Specialism (Sport), and Mr Guthrie, showed the Duke the Sports Hall and introduced him to staff and students. He first watched a dance lesson in the dance studio followed by demonstrations of table tennis, self defence and trampolining by students of Bishop Barrington School.
The Duke, who has been president the All England Tennis Club at Wimbledon since 1969, was interested to see pupils of Escomb Primary School playing short tennis.
As he was introduced to each activity, he spent time chatting with sports staff and students. After officially opening the Sports Hall, the Duke was taken on a short tour of the rest of the school, including a mathematics classroom, the Theatre Suite, and art class.
He then joined staff and invited guests, for lunch in the school Bistro. Head Girl, Samantha Robson, who was seated next to the Duke during lunch, said: "I was a little nervous at first. The Duke was very nice, he asked me about my interests and what I would like to do when I leave school."
Before departing, the Duke signed the Guest Book. Commenting on the Royal visit, Head Teacher, Bruce Guthrie, said:
We were delighted to welcome his Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, to open our Sports Hall. The visit was a huge success. It was a very memorable day for all involved and especially for the students, who took part in demonstrations in the Sports Hall and performed to such a high standard.
The Duke of Kent expressed an interest and enthusiasm in the performance of the students. He obviously enjoyed speaking to the children and the children enjoyed speaking to him.
Our Sports Hall is a fabulous facility. All pupils have two hours of sport and many join some of the many clubs, which are benefiting from our facilities.
Mr Guthrie said by encouraging more young people to take part in physical activity it is also giving them a healthy start in life. Having good facilities means that young people want to come and join in activities.
He added: "We hope we will see one or two of them representing us in the London Olympics."
Ben Johnson, Director of Specialism, said: "The Sports Hall is a fantastic facility. It is used by pupils during the day and in the evening becomes a community sports hall. The Sports Hall has had a massive impact on the pupils and local community of Bishop Barrington, and continues to do so. It is great now it has been officially opened by the Duke of Kent."
Specialist college status had resulted in the school being able to provide a wider range of extra-curricular activities and participation rates in sport are increasing dramatically.
The Sports Hall was funded via a New Opportunities bid, in partnership with Wear Valley Sport Action Zone, Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council. It was constructed by AMEC to a standard Sport England design.
Any clubs or organisations wishing to use the Sports Hall should contact 01388 459468 after 6pm Monday to Friday.
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