09/03/10 - Thomas Vale Complete new Sports Facility
Award winning contractor, Thomas Vale Construction has successfully completed a new state of the art sports facility for The Ridings’ Federation, Winterbourne International Academy in Bristol.
Paul Clarke, Director at Thomas Vale Construction comments: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project with the school and South Gloucestershire Council and hope that the students enjoy their new sports centre.”
Sporting hero, Marcus Trescothick was at the school to officially open the new facilities, along with speeches from Dr. R S Gibson, C.E.P, Mr Mike Hayward, Chair of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies Trust and the Principal of Winterbourne International Academy, Mr Rob Evans.
Marcus Trescothick cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the occasion after taking time out of training with Somerset County Cricket Club to unveil the facility, which includes a sports hall, swimming pool and all-weather pitch, as well as a training room which has been named after his childhood friend Eddie Gregg.
Eddie grew up with Marcus in Oldland Common, where the pair played cricket in the lanes around their homes. Eddie later became a teacher at the academy, when it was known as The Ridings’ High School, but died in 2000 of leukaemia.
Marcus said: "It is always great to come back home and a great honour to come back to schools in and around where I grew up. Because of my relationship with Eddie today is even more important to me."
The batsman, who has played 76 test matches during his impressive career, said the new sports village was ‘brilliant’.
"I wish I had something like this when I was growing up," he said.
The sports hall was the final part of the complex to be completed and includes a large hall with a mezzanine spectator platform, reception area, toilets and the Eddie Gregg room.
Academy principal Rob Evans said: "These excellent facilities are long overdue and complete the final aspect of our sports village concept. Finally we have provision for PE and sport which we can be proud of and which will encourage our students and the community to adopt healthy lifestyles."
He said the complex was timely with the 2012 London Olympics fast approaching.
Dr Rob Gibson, former head teacher of The Ridings and now federation principal, thanked staff for their patience during the 10-year planning process.
"I would like to thank our PE teaching staff, who have worked in pretty difficult conditions," he said. "What they have managed to achieve under difficult circumstances deserves great credit."
The sports village will be available for public use outside of school hours.
Cllr John Godwin, former chairman of governors at The Ridings, said: "It is absolutely wonderful. These facilities were desperately needed in Winterbourne and the school has done so well to achieve this. The sports village will be a benefit for many years to come."
The number of pupils taking up extra-curricular sports has rocketed since the sports hall opened for use.
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