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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
OLYMPIC TORCH
When I first found out I would
be carrying the Olympic torch
back in December I could not
believe it. I was so excited and
happy to be given the honour.
I was nominated for some
charity work I have done over
the years with various charities
for animal rights, antitrafficking
and homeless
people. I first got involved at
the age of eight through a
friend selling key rings and
then when I was twelve I
started to volunteer with my
mum at the Wellspring in Stockport; I then decided to give my
birthday money away to different charities each year.
On the day I had to be at the Adidas centre in Bramhall very
early in the morning; it was very scary as I was the youngest
person there and did not know anybody, but we were then
told how the day was going to go and everything was fine. We
all got on the bus and got to the first drop off point for the first
torch-bearer to alight. When I got off the bus it was so scary,
as I had watched all the others before me and they had been
surrounded by people. The torch-bearer in front of me came
running and then lit my flame; with three police officers either
side of me I started to run. It was such a good feeling to run
with it and to see all my friends and family cheering me on at
the end was amazing. After my part of the relay, I got back on
the bus and we then taken back to the Adidas centre where I
was interviewed with another torch-bearer. The whole
experience was incredible and I am so happy I was given the
opportunity to carry the torch.
Claudia Thomas (3S)
SPEECH DAY
The Plaza Theatre was once again the venue for Speech Day
in June when pupils, parents, Governors and staff celebrated
the school year.
Chairman of Governors, Mr Richard Rimmington, opened the
programme with his final address before retiring after ten
years as Chairman and two decades as a Governor, having left
the school as a pupil over fifty years ago. Mr Chicken paid
tribute to Mr Rimmington, thanking him for his service, saying
he “has been at the forefront of the successful development of
Stockport Grammar School for the last two decades.”
As well as stunning musical performances from the Chamber
Choir and Big Band, the audience was also treated to a pair of
superb ten minute videos created by Lower Sixth Form pupils
Alex Longson, Chris Holleworth and Will Byrne, which
provided an insight into the great diversity of co-curricular
activities and opportunities for personal development at SGS.
The day’s performances and speeches showcased all that is
positive about the school before Mr Rimmington awarded
prizes to the pupils who excelled in their subjects or made
outstanding contributions to school life last year. Earlier in the
day, the Chairman also awarded the prizes at Junior School
Speech Day, held at the school, to the children who had
achieved in their subjects or helped make a difference during
the past nine months.
After the Senior School ceremony, prize winners, their parents
and Sixth Form leavers returned to the school for a
reception in the recently-opened new Woodsmoor
building – the first time many of our pupils and
Governors had been inside the impressive new
facility.
16 The Year’s News