Clive and Sylvia Richards visit Hanley Castle to open new PE facilities
Clive and Sylvia Richards visit Hanley Castle High School to open magnificent new PE facilities
On 2nd April 2019 Clive Richards OBE KSG, accompanied by his wife Sylvia, visited Hanley Castle High School as guest of honour to formally open its new £450,000 sports facilities.
Mr and Mrs Richards were invited to perform the opening ceremony in recognition of the generous donation made by the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity in support of the project. The new facilities include extended changing rooms and a purpose-built PE classroom and office.
Clive and Sylvia were joined by a number of important guests, including representatives of PR Associates, who designed the buildings, and Neil Shipley and Co. who provided the construction team.
The funding for the new facilities came from three main sources – the Department for Education, which has been using the new Sugar Tax to fund improved sports facilities in schools, Worcestershire Local Authority, using funds generated by the large-scale housing developments in Hanley Castle’s catchment area and from the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity.
For many years the PE department at Hanley Castle has been based in a temporary building on the school field. Despite the damp and sub-standard accommodation, the PE department has done a wonderful job, supporting students to great A level, GCSE and BTEC results. Now all this is set to change as students and staff enjoy the new spacious, clean and well-designed facilities.
The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity supports many good causes, including education, healthcare, heritage, the Arts as well as overseas education.
Also speaking at the opening event was Mr James Gowing, Head of PE at Hanley Castle High School.
Mr Gowing commented:
‘We are thrilled to finally be able to provide the high quality of accommodation that our students deserve. Sport is hugely important to us all at Hanley Castle, and we are looking forward to even greater achievements in the future.’
Lindsey Cooke, headteacher, commented:
‘We were delighted and honoured to welcome Clive and Sylvia back to Hanley Castle. They have been kind and generous friends to our school over many years. The new buildings are very much in keeping with our sixth form centre, which was also supported by the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity. It is also good to see the new Sugar Tax being put to the use for which it was intended – supporting young people towards healthier lifestyles.’
For further details please contact Lindsey Cooke:
01684 593242
07599399396
cookel@hanleycastlehs.org.uk