St Richard's

Fundraising - Michaelmas 2011

Many thanks to everyone who bought Thank You Cards (Main School) or Christmas Cards (Pre-Prep & Nursery) :
we have raised over £500.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the Bag2School last term - we raised £315 !

NSEA Dressage

Saturday October 22nd

Congratulations to Gwen Thomas, riding for St Richard's on Skeyria Davy, who won the prelim 14 individual title with a fantastic score of 72.08; and to Abi Cunningham, riding Henry V, who also rode a lovely test in their first ever pure dressage competition.
It was a large class of 26 riders from schools including Malvern St James, Oswestry, Lucton, Hereford Cathedral, Tewkesbury and HMSG and Bridgnorth.

Gwen is pictured with Grace Thomas who won the individual Novice24 for Hereford Cathedral.

Abberley Cross Country

20th October 2011

Abigail Cunningham – first in the Senior Girls
William Hayward – first in the Senior Boys
Senior Girls Team – third place
Senior Boys Team – second place

Felicity Hayward – third in the Junior Girls
Junior Girls Team – third place



"It was excellent to be part of a very successful St Richard's effort across all four teams.  Abberley organised it brilliantly and I will cherish the memory of the success."  William Hayward

Interschool Showjumping, Kings Equestrian Centre

Sunday 16th October 2011

Sunday dawned to a slightly cold but clear morning to find Mrs P already boxing up the horses at St Richard's for the trip to Kings Equestrian Centre. Having asked for an early start to accommodate the other activities over the Full Boarding Weekend she was perhaps slightly regretting it (as were the parents who were helping!). However the 6 horses and riders assembled in good time to walk the course at the splendid arena. The jumps were gaily painted and set at the challenging 2’ height and the sound system played ‘comfortable’ music (ie suitable for the riders’ parents!).

This was a strong competition with schools coming from Shropshire, Powys as well as closer to home. The course was quick and combined both a need for a clear round and a quick time in one go – no opportunity for a steady clear round to get into one’s stride.  The enthusiasm of the riders overcame their nerves and produced some excellent displays. There were some falls, some faults and one clear round but all enjoyed it.

Phoebe Jackson	on Harry Potter
Ali Hawkins	on Jimmy
Lucy Blum	on Ruby
Natalya Wolloshin	on Sid
Tiggy Cowan Taylor	on Chester
Emily Archer	on Gracie

Congratulations to all participants, especially Lucy and Emily for their quick times and Phoebe Jackson for her clear round. Later in the day Lucy also competed at the 2'3" to 2'6" class and came a very admirable 6th; and Gwen Thomas came an equally admirable 10th in the 3'2" class.  All the classes were very well subscribed. Thank you as ever to Mrs P and also to the parents who helped with the transport and support.

Prep Schools' Netball Tournament

Wrekin College

On 2nd October 2011 the U11 Netball team went to Wrekin College for the Prep Schools’ Netball Tournament.   There were nine other schools – (most, if not all, of which play netball this term while we play only hockey!). The 10 teams were split into two groups of five and everyone played everyone within their group.   St Richard’s won all four matches in their heat (6 minutes each way) !  We entered the semi-finals aware that we had a good chance of winning but sadly, despite a valiant fight, we lost by just one goal – and that was scored in the last minute !  But, not downcast for long, we went into the play-off for third place and came out victorious.

It was a brilliant afternoon : as always beautifully organised by Wrekin College and all the play went smoothly.   Our team played with style and agility employing some very successful tactics : they were a pleasure to watch and clearly enjoyed partaking too.
Any consolation for not coming first or second was quickly found in the delicious scones and cream tea after the presentation of medals and a trophy !

Congratulations to our players : Back row : Flick, Holly, Claudie, Katy; Front row : Emily, Octavia, Geni, Lucy
and of course big thanks to Mrs Harvey and Pip, not only for taking them, but their continual devotion to the cause.

Inter School Show Jumping - Hartbury, Gloucestershire

Saturday 1st October

Isolde Watt	on Puzzle
Gwen Thomas	on Davy
Abigail Cunningham	on Henry V
Caroline Lewis	on Kizmet

The girls had a lovely time at Hartpury International arena on Saturday.  They entered the 80cm JWS (Jumping with Style). 
The course consists of show jumps and then a timed section of cross-country-style jumps.  Style marks are awarded and the usual faults system is in place.
The team rode well and they finished third, only four faults behind Kings Worcester and Pinewood Swindon.

Secondary School Entrance Examinations - Summer 2011

Congratulations to all last year's candidates, all of whom achieved entrance into their first choice of Secondary School.
Best of luck to them all, including our overseas students who have returned to their home countries.

Plain Sailing for Jamie Hawkins - Summer 2011

Jamie Hawkins has had his wish to go on a cruise around the Greek Islands with his family granted by Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses. Described by his mother Katie as a “fantastic, brave little boy who loves to entertain”, Jamie was sadly diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2007. As a result of his life-threatening condition, Jamie had to undergo an intensive form of treatment and spent a lot of time in hospital away from his friends.

Jamie was referred to Starlight for a once-in-a-lifetime wish and although he has plenty of hobbies and interests, such as Star Wars, the army, cricket and snorkelling, the youngster knew exactly what his wish would be. Fascinated by the idea of a ‘hotel ship’, Jamie asked to go on a cruise around the Greek Islands with his family.

Starlight organised for Jamie, his parents Katie and Anthony, and sisters Ali and Matilda to spend seven nights aboard ‘Pearls of the Aegean’, which is a cruise ship that sails from Corfu to a number of world-famous Greek destinations, such as Athens and Crete, and idyllic islands, such as Mykonos and Katakolon.

Starlight grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds.

Starlight also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box. Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.

To refer a brave child like Jamie or to make a donation visit www.starlight.org.uk or call 020 7262 2881.  For every £1 you donate, Starlight can assure you that over 91p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children.

Phoebe Jackson and the Junior Maths Challenge

Phoebe Jackson, having gained a gold certificate in the Junior Maths Challenge this year, participated in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad, putting her in the top 0.6% in her age group across the country.

Collage of Parents' Weekend 2011 - click for larger image

Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpick Games - Friday 3rd June

Dover’s Hill, above Chipping Campden and overlooking the Vale of Evesham, is a beautiful plateau commanding extensive views from the plains of the Avon and the Severn to the foothills of the Welsh mountains. Owned by the National Trust, it provides an ideal setting for open air games.

Each year, on the traditional date of Friday after Spring Bank Holiday the hill echoes with the shouts and cheers of competitors and spectators as Robert Dover’s Cotswold ‘Olimpick’ Games (not Olympic Games) are celebrated.  Bands march, cannon fire, rustic activities and wrestling take place, and the evening is brought to a close with fireworks and a torchlight procession into Campden followed by dancing in the square.

Congratulations to Abigail Cunningham who won the 800 metres and got her first Olimpick gold medal !

Girls Cricket - June 2011

After an all too brief introduction to the rules and techniques we took a Senior Girls cricket team to Abberley.   We played a version of pairs cricket with each pair of batsmen sharing three overs and runs being deducted for wickets but the batsmen stayed in. This gives all players a good opportunity to experience batting while retaining some semblance of ‘normal’ play. We played their ‘B’ team competitively and then split in half with each half playing with a half of their ‘A’ team.

This was in the best tradition of the sport – playing was more important than winning – and produced a fair competition, enabling the St Richard’s Girls to really watch and learn and as always they equipped themselves with enthusiastic aplomb.

Many girls go onto mixed schools where cricket is a natural choice and this was a valuable introduction to the sport.

Shrewsbury School - Languages Day

We were delighted to welcome the St Richard's School scholarship class for a Languages Day on Thursday 16th June. This is the third year running that this very special day has taken place, and it is becoming a high point in the calendars of both our schools.

Twelve Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a very busy day, with taster lessons in Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, Japanese and even Serbo-Croat.  Even the lunch break was language-based, with the group being taken on a guided tour of the school - the catch being that the tour was delivered entirely in French by two of our sixth formers.

It was a terrific day, and an absolute joy to welcome such a wonderfully bright, enthusiastic and impeccably mannered group of youngsters to Shrewsbury.   I dare say their Headmaster will have told them often that they should be good ambassadors for St Richard's - they certainly were!

Matthew Mostyn, Modern Languages, Shrewsbury School

The Last Great Race On Earth

The last great race on earth took place exactly a hundred years ago.   In 1911, Captain Scott was beaten to the South Pole by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen.   A century later, six members of the British Army
(amongst them Danny's and Laura's father, Lennie Browne) will run the same race following the exact routes used by Scott and Amundsen.
This unique expedition will be used to spotlight the centenary of a historic national event celebrating a gallant yet tragic hero and as a nationally publicised project to raise money for The Royal British Legion - in particular for their Personnel Recovery Centres in the four Garrison towns across UK.

Henry Worsley, who is organising the expedition, also had two children at St Richard's not so long ago !

Visit the Scott/Amundsen website to find out more and donate via Just Giving.

 

Show Jumping - 15th May 2011

Many thanks, as always, to Mrs Pearson and our excellent judges, Sarah de Rohan and Pip Jones.

Advanced

First	Lucy Blum	Jimmy
Second	Marta de Velasco	Sid
Third	Katie Archer	Sid
Best dressed	Katie Archer

Intermediate

First	Tiggy Cowan-Taylor	Sid
Second	Emily Archer	Trixie
Third	Letitia SR	Sid
Best dressed	Natalya Wolloshin

Inter-School Show Jumping Competition - Bow House Equestrian Centre

On Saturday 30th April, Bridgnorth Endowed School hosted an Inter-School Show Jumping Competition at Bow House Equestrian Centre, between Craven Arms and Bishops Castle.  Despite the ETD of 6:30am from St. Richard’s, we all had a fun day.  The weather was good, we shared breakfast around the table and the children enjoyed and benefitted from the experience.

The first class won the Clear Round at 8.30am.  Despite Katie’s urgings, Mr Jones, showed his dislike of appearing in public by refusing quite a few times.  Tiggy and Sid had one refusal and one knock down, and Lucy and Jimmy had a clear round albeit taking the ‘scenic route’.  They won a rosette.

In the team competition, Tiggy and Sid had a fantastic clear round, Lucy and Jimmy had just one down, and Mr Jones and Katie had a couple of stops. We came third!

London Marathon 2011

Congratulations to at least four old Ricardians who completed the London Marathon this year :
Hugh-Guy Lorriman
in a time of 3 hours and 18 minutes; and Jane Sewell, Francie Page and Eleanor Rous-Aire in times of 5 hours plus.
All ran for various charities.

The Stonemason's Tale,  Hereford Cathedral

St Richard’s, with 13 other Herefordshire schools, has taken part in a year-long project to celebrate a thousand years of Hereford Cathedral and the replanning of the Cathedral Close.

At the school there have been art projects, film-making, stone-carving, structure making (a magnificent Hereford Bull was the St. Richard’s contribution), history events, and on 29th June, the culmination of the Stonemason’s, members of the school choir in Forms IV - VI donned monks’ habits and started proceedings for the whole day in the Cathedral. The choir processed up and down the transepts singing Salve Regina from memory – this started the whole of the Stonemason’s theatrical show in the morning – to be repeated in the afternoon.

Later in this event the choir contributed Veni Spiritu Sanctus by Georg Vogler , again from memory, and accompanied by the Cathedral’s assistant organist Peter Dyke. In the middle of these two performances was a procession throughout Hereford, including the monks and the St Richard’s bull.

At the prize-giving at the end of term, the choir sang both the pieces sung at the Stonemason’s Tale – but in school uniform, not their habits. It was an extraordinarily wide-ranging experience, and we were lucky to be part of a project with great ambition and breadth.

Andrew Knights Weekend

Well known recitalist, orchestral player, and teacher, oboist Andrew Knights visited St Richard’s on the 1st  and 2nd July and gave an example of wind playing at the highest level. 

First, he entertained and played to the Pre-Prep in the Assembly Hall, bringing out all sorts of different instruments from different bags. He did demonstrate the oboe, Yes, but also different types of oboe, producing sounds that brought to life medieval, country, French, and dance music.  The children clapped, counted, joined in with the rhythms, and applauded Andrew’s ability to change from bagpipes to saxophone, from Indian pipe to the modern oboe we all know.  The children were handed out a variety of percussion instruments, from tambourines of different sizes to wood blocks and shakers. It was a wonderful introduction to the sounds of this double reed instrument – so difficult to do well, and deceptively easy.

That it looks easier to play than it might be was shown to the whole school in the workshop on 2nd July when Andrew handed out reeds to anyone who wanted to have a go to make a sound.  Three intrepid children tried their best : the first to do well was Tiggy Cowan-Taylor who transferred her skills on the clarinet to making very acceptable notes.  William Hayward and Jessica Crichard soon joined in, making excellent attempts.  That the oboe uses the same fingering as the recorder was helpful in allowing the children who tried to find their bearings.  Elsewhere in this workshop, he gave a more detailed version of his talk to the Pre-Prep, and played a variety of music to demonstrate the various instruments.  Every child was given a piece of percussion, and Andrew bravely encouraged total participation in Sundance, a contemporary piece with plenty of cross rhythms.

Sandwiched between these two events was a recital with pianist Adrian Williams.  This informal event in the Front Hall on the Friday evening gave Andrew a chance to show his skills, without interruption, on the oboe and oboe d’amore in a programme including Vaughan Williams and Britten.  Attending this concert was part of the leavers’ programme, and as at other similar events this year the children were able to sit inches away from the performers – a great treat.  To have music-making of this level at St Richard’s was a terrific inspiration for all.

ABRSM Practical Results and Music Theory Exam Results - Spring 2011

Prep Test
Natasia Singleton	Piano
Cole Gallagher	Violin
Grade 2
Libby Glanville	Violin	Merit
Sarah Glanville	Violin	Merit
Byron Hodgetts	Trumpet	Pass
Sam Dent	Trumpet	Pass
Caspian Cowan-Taylor	Viola	Merit
Grade 4
Tatiana Watt	Piano	Merit
Katie Durber	Flute	Pass
Isla Gordon	Clarinet	Merit

Grade 1
Imogen Elliott	Pass
Libby Glanville	Pass
Felicity Hayward	Pass
Fergus Head	Distinction
Megan Kupa	Pass
Oliver Singleton	Merit
Eugene Williams	Merit
Grade 2
Abigail Cunningham	Pass
Isla Gordon	Merit
Alexandra Hawkins	Merit
Gwenllian Thomas	Merit
Isolde Watt	Distinction

Dressage March 2011

The inaugural Dressage afternoon took place on Saturday 12th March.  The more experienced riders took the Pony Club Introductory Test, and the remainder took the Treworgan Walk and Trot test.

Experienced horsewoman and judge, Stella Robertson, kindly officiated as judge and was ably supported by Dicky Coghlan as writer.   All the competitors presented themselves very smartly and were rightly nervous for their tests which they all completed.  Parents and competitors thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon which was followed by Tea and Prize Giving in the Front Hall.

Lucy Blum won first prize for the Pony Club Introductory Test and Octavia Riggall won first prize for the Treworgan Walk and Trot test.

Bob Chilcott Sing Up Day

Bob Chilcott, one of the UK's leading choral composers and conductors, led a Sing Up choral workshop on Sunday, 6 March, in Birmingham Town Hall.  Six children from St Richard's were picked up from school at 8.30, with Mrs Bull, Hugh the music gap, and Mrs King, joining forces with a small cohort from Moor Park.  We were all kindly taken to Birmingham in an MP minibus.  The hall was packed with singers of all ages, though our children were definitely some of the younger ones.  There were rehearsals throughout the day of a selection of music by Chilcott, followed by a concert at 4.30.

The principal musical focus was the learning and performing of A Little Jazz Mass.  In addition, the children learnt several other Chilcott part-songs - the most popular of which was definitely 'Shake the Bottle'.  Some of this singing was complete sight-reading - and the children were totally unfazed by any demands made of them.  Several parents came to the concert, and enjoyed the result of an intensive day's work.  We also heard some items from other choirs in the Midlands.  Great fun, very instructive, and definitely worth doing again.

Diana Galvydyte

The feedback about the workshop given by violinist, Diana Galvydyte, held on Saturday 5th March here at St. Richard's, has been fantastic, from adults and children alike.  We enjoyed a morning of short pieces, some solo, some accompanied by pianist Adrian Williams, by a range of composers including Bach, Bartok, Kreisler and Tchaikovsky.


The string-playing children sat on the floor, almost under Diana's bowing arm, and had the perfect view of violin playing as it should be.  She interspersed her recital with stories of her early life in Lithuania, then at the Yehudi Menuhin School, and her current life as a soloist, and she answered many questions from the floor.  Topics included anything from the choice of her violin and bow to the importance of music theory for a professional musician.

It was a treat to have a violinist of this calibre at the school and we hope to welcome her back again soon.

 

Primary Schools Cross Country Results
Monday 28th February 2011

	Boys	Girls
1st	Brockhampton	St Richard's A
2nd	Orleton	Leominster
3rd	Kimbolton	Kimbolton

Prep Schools Cross Country Results
Tuesday 1st April 2011

	Senior Boys	Junior Boys
1st	Abberley Hall	Moor Park
2nd	The Elms	Hereford Cathedral
3rd	The Downs MCP	The Elms
	Senior Girls	Junior Girls
1st	Abberley Hall	Abberley Hall
2nd	Moor Park	St Richard's
3rd	St. Richard's	Moor Park

Who Killed the Headmaster ?
February 2011

Click here for further pictures and review. 

To view the quiz (without the answers) click here.

To view the quiz (with the answers) click here.

To view the Character List click here.

Cross Country News

Abberley Hall Relays,
Sunday 6th February

Felicity Hayward shone for St Richard's and came first over all other schools.

Lucton Cross Country,
Thursday 10th February

St. Richard's U9s & U11s came 2nd overall out of 16 schools.

Handy Pony Competition

8th - 11th February 2011

The competition atmosphere got to most of the young riders.  The fact that they had to wear the correct dress and be seen in public really set those butterflies off.   All good practice for further competitions, home and away.

We had practised all the elements, eight in fact, during the past few weeks : steering, dismounting, leading, running up the stirrups, mounting, picking up a stick from one barrel, carrying it a few yards then placing on another barrel, negotiating a small jump and then putting the brakes to the test by stopping in a box.  Of course, if they went quite fast over the jump it was more difficult to stop in the box.

Dicky Coghlan and Alice Pearson were the judges.   Old girl, Holly Bradshaw, had agreed to judge on the Friday but had to pull out, hence Dicky came in at short notice.   Dicky is very experienced in all matters equestrian having been a member of the Malvern Croome Pony Club for many years and competing in One Day Events and Hunting under the tutelage of her aunt Mary Ratcliffe.

	Tuesday	Thursday	Friday
First	Katy Archer    and Sid	Marta de Velasco    and Sid	Jessica Crichard    and Ivor
Second	Ali Hawkins    and Jimmy	Josepha Parek    and Rocky	Natasia Singleton    and Jimmy
Third	Phoebe Jackson    and Godfrey	Letitia SR    and Sid;   Cristina SC    and Mr. Jones	Natalya Wolloshin    and Ivor

Lucy Blum and Octavia Riggall are also to be congratulated on their effort and turnout.

Mark Coreth Exhibition and Workshop

One weekend in October 2010 St Richard’s was lucky enough to be the centre of a unique experience.   Mark Coreth, internationally renowned sculptor and old Ricardian, came to visit.   But he didn’t just come to visit, he came to share his talents, his experiences, his humour and his thoughts with us.

Pre-Prep had him to themselves for a couple of hours as they sculpted a polar bear together.   The bear, made with clay, has a metal armature (skeleton) and so cannot be fired : he will dry out and die!   But this illustrates Mark’s point well : the polar bear and the ice he lives on are both in decline.

Friday's Assembly in Main School was different to usual with Mark talking to the children about his work and his memories of St Richard's and how his dream of becoming a sculptor started at the hands of Mrs Tremlett, then Head of Art and wife of the Headmaster, Caspar Tremlett.   In the afternoon 20 lucky winners spent a couple of hours sculpting smaller bears - this time from plasticine : a happier destiny for these little sculptures so long as they can be kept out of the reach of meddlesome siblings.

At long last it was the adults’ turn to benefit from Mark’s enormous charm and enthusiasm.   Saturday evening saw drinks and canapés being served in the Drawing Room, while a crowd that any London Gallery would have been proud of viewed the stunning Exhibition.

In the Assembly Hall he chatted to us about his experiences sculpting in the jungle – precariously balanced on an elephant whilst seemingly surrounded by spiders and tigers; and the contrast of working in the ice-cold arctic where the modelling clay hardens before you can shape it.   We were shown how he spent over a year organising his latest project : to create the Ice Bear in Trafalgar Square; how it too melted away and died.  Yet again Mark’s point is made loud and clear.

Thank you Mark for such a unique weekend and for sharing your dream with us all. Click here to visit our Gallery of the weekend. Anyone wanting further information should visit Mark's website.

Scholarships Awarded for 2010

Fenella Blagg	Sports Scholarship to Hereford Cathedral School
Flavia Cheesman	All rounder to Hereford Cathedral School
Isabella Mulroe	Exhibition to Dean Close (declined)
Molly Piggott	Drama Scholarship to Moreton Hall
Frederick Thomas	Drama Scholarship to Prior Park (declined)

Leavers 2010

Freddie Goff	St Phillips, Kensington, London
Isabella Mulroe	Royal Grammar School, Worcester
Christian Read-Smith	The Patrician Academy, Mallow, Co. Cork, Eire
Georg Riedl-Riedenstein	Malvern College
Harry Riley	Kingstone High School, Hereford
Zara Senior	Monmouth Girls
Fred Thomas	Hereford Cathedral School
Darcy Webb	Monmouth Girls
Javier Garia Vera	returned to school in Ciudad Real, Spain
Juan Carlos Garcia Vera	returned to school in Ciudad Real, Spain
Carlos Riestra	returned to school in Madrid, Spain
Jorge Salcines	returned to school in Santander, Spain
Konstantin Kortschak	returned to school in Austria
Leander Leutzendorff	returned to school in Austria
Marta Valera	Tudor Hall

Pre-Prep Nativity 2010

Fantastic Mr Fox - Christmas Term 2010 - performed by Forms III and IV

Another triumph on the drama front for St Richard's with the superb production of one of Roald Dahl's most popular books.   Boggis, Bunce and Bean were as brilliantly unpleasant as the little fox cubs were cute.  Badgers, rats, moles, weasels and rabbits all made their appearance as the charming tale unfolded.  The meticulously designed costumes and scenery included beautiful ears and brushes for the foxes and a very convincing human tunnel that cleverly enabled the foxes to dig deeper without literally disappearing underground !

Thanks to all those involved for such an entertaining evening.

The Christmas Fayre 2010

The St Richard's Christmas Fayre, for many, is the harbinger of Christmas itself : this is where it really starts.   The truly festive atmosphere created by the colourful stalls and elaborate decorations is infectious and many people were clearly sourcing those elusive presents as well as indulging a little for themselves.  The School Choir sung beautifully as ever and were joined by the Spanish contingency within the school who sung Silent Night ... in Spanish !

Not only was it a very enjoyable day for all involved but we also managed to raise a bit of money !  In total we made a fabulous £4,000 and this means that, combined with related donations, HOPE Family Centre will receive £1,000 and we will have £3,500 to spend.

Many thanks to everyone who helped and supported the event !

11th November 2010

11 year old trumpeter Charlie Barrett, a pupil of St Richard’s Preparatory School in Bredenbury, was called upon this morning to sound the Last Post at a ceremony held in Bromyard at 11.00am to commemorate those fallen in battle.

The Mayor presided accompanied by councillors and civil dignitaries. The Vicar of Bromyard, the Revd. Graham Sykes, referred to those ‘never forgotten’ and prayed that peace may prevail in the world.

Callum Blackwell -
LCRRC Junior A British Champion and Junior Racer of the Year

Callum rides a mini moto in the Low Capacity Road Racing Club.   They race all around the country and have a range of classes.  Callum's class is the Junior A which is for 7 to 10 year olds.  This is only his second season of racing and he finished 3rd in his first winter championship.

The summer season consists of ten races during which Callum broke his arm and actually still raced with it in plaster !  He scored the most overall points in his class which makes him the LCRRC Junior A British Champion.

 The riders in the club also voted Callum the 'Junior Racer of the Year' which he was exceptionally pleased about.  He is currently racing in the winter championship and, at the age of 7, is going into the Junior B class for the summer season 2011, generally for 10 to 14 year olds !

Kidderminster Special Section Officer David Taylor
received the High Sheriff's Trophy.

Not a lot of people know this but David Taylor, when he's not teaching our children woodwind, is a policeman.

However, clearly not the average policeman...please click here to read more about him.

Visit the West Mercia Police website to find out even more!

The Opening Meet of the North Herefordshire - October 2010

The North Herefordshire Hunt held their Opening Meet at St Richard's on Saturday 30th October 2010. Georgia Barrett, aged 7, rode Mr Jones.   It was Georgia's first ever day hunting but she was in safe hands with Mr Jones as he has hunted on numerous occasions. They both had an enjoyable day and can't wait to go again soon.



To view the photos please visit Clare Williams Photography.   On the site, go to Web Store, then scroll to the bottom to the North Hereford Hunt Opening Meet 2010.   To view prices and sizes, select a photo and then click on the Product Options dropdown menu.

Music Exam Results Summer 2010
Danielle Browne	Piano	Prep-Test	Pass
Jessica Blackwell	Singing	Grade 1	Distinction
Jessica Blackwell	Flute	Grade 1	Pass
Genevieve Bunce	Singing	Grade 3	Distinction
Flavia Cheesman	Clarinet	Grade 5	Merit
Flavia Cheesman	Music Theory	Grade 4	Pass
Caroline Lewis	Clarinet	Grade 3	Pass
Abigail Cunningham	Clarinet	Grade 3	Pass
Abigail Cunningham	Singing	Grade 2	Pass
Abigail Cunningham	Piano	Grade 3	Pass
Samuel Dent	Trumpet	Grade 1	Pass
Imogen Elliott	Cello	Grade 2	Merit
Imogen Elliot	Singing	Grade 1	Merit
Juan-Carlos Garcia	Clarinet	Grade 1	Pass
Libby Glanville	Violin	Grade 1	Merit
Freddie Goff	Singing	Grade 3	Merit
Isla Gordon	Singing	Grade 2	Merit
Isla Gordon	Piano	Grade 2	Pass
Alexandra Hawkins	Violin	Grade 2	Merit
William Hayward	Clarinet	Grade 3	Pass
Byron Hodgetts	Trumpet	Grade 1	Pass
Phoebe Jackson	Clarinet	Grade 3	Pass
Phoebe Jackson	Music Theory	Grade 4	Merit
Emily Lewis	Singing	Grade 1	Pass
Isabella Mulroe	Piano	Grade 3	Pass
Isabella Mulroe	Cello	Grade 3	Pass
Molly Piggott	Piano	Grade 2	Pass
Oliver Singleton	Trumpet	Grade 2	Pass
Anna Skyrme	Singing	Grade 2	Merit
Gwen Thomas	Singing	Grade 2	Merit
Gwen Thomas	Piano	Grade 1	Merit
Frederick Thomas	Trumpet	Grade 3	Pass

Bromyard's Spring Festival of Poetry & Music (2010)

Natasia Singleton	7 years old and under	2nd prize
Jessica Crichard	8-11 years	3rd prize

English Speaking Board Examination Results

Laura Browne	ENT 2	Merit +
Flavia Cheesman	L1 Grade 03	Distinction
Abigail Cunningham	L1 Grade 01	Merit +
Isla Gordon	L1 Grade 01	Distinction
Claudia Jackson	ENT 2	Merit +
Emily Lewis	ENT 2	Distinction
Molly Piggott	L1 Grade 03	Distinction
Octavia Riggall	ENT 2	Merit +
Gwenllian Thomas	L1 Grade 01	Distinction

Maths Challenges

Congratulations to Phoebe Jackson who has won a bronze medal in the Primary Maths Challenge last term.   This puts her in the top 0.4% within her age group across the country. Click here for more information.

Wrekin College Rounders Tournament

On Sunday 9th May, U13 and U11 girls competed in a rounders tournament at Wrekin College.   The sun was shining and, with so many parents to support, and such enthusiasm from the children, it was always going to be a good day.  As soon as we arrived, picnics poured out of every car and everyone had a feast !
The U13 played 4 games and won them all. Some were extremely close, but superb fielding from the whole team and wonderful batting, especially from Flavia Cheesman, kept every opposing team at bay.   Winning all 4 matches meant thay had won the tournament and they all received medals and a shield for the school.

The U11 girls had to play 6 games and won 5 out of the 6.  Again some very disciplined and alert fielding, along with some superb batting, especially from Eugenia Pacheo Aisa, meant they had gone into joint 1st place.   It all came down to the amount of rounders scored and the girls came home with bronze medals.   Both teams had a great day.  They probably learned more rounders in one day than they will for the rest of the year !   Well done to all the girls who took part and a big thanks to both the girls and the parents for giving 100% of their time and support to help the day be so successful. View the collage...

1940's Swing Night Collage

Click here to see 1940's Swing Night Collage

Gymkhana May 2010

The 2010 gymkhana took place on a typical spring day in England - ie. overcast and chilly to say the least. However there was a stalwart crowd of supporters to cheer on the 4 heats of riders as they "bended" their way up the course; raced to one end of the arena and pulled (literally in some cases) their ponies back to the start again; picked up sticks and dropped them in buckets; and leapt off their mounts to compete for ever-depleting mats - apparently Musical Mats but with no music and Mrs P shouting Beep at strategic moments. A fabulous afternoon of nail-biting horsemanship.

Congratulations to Ali Hawkins (and Jimmy and Godfrey) who won the competition.  Ali will be presented with the Maund-Morris Cup on Speech Day at the end of term.

Thanks to Mrs Pearson for another enjoyable and very watchable gymkhana and to the judges, Dicky and Pip, who did seem to do a lot of giggling but also had to make some crucial calls !!

Cake Sale April 2010

Sugar and spice and all things nice - that's what little children are made of : at least St Richard's ones are now after all the delicious cakes that were baked and bought ! Thank you everyone for your usual true support.
The Front Hall was a frenzied hub of activity for at least half an hour while every tray was cleared of the delicious and colourful cakes that adorned them.

£275 was raised in total and this will go towards improving the playground area and new seating for the courtyard. Well done and thank you to all those involved in the organisation and hectic work behind the stall !!

Colin Stoupe's Address

Colin Stoupe, a former and highly popular master from St Richard's, died very recently.

If you would like to read the address given at his funeral by John O'Driscoll, himself an old boy of St Richard's, then please click on the picture to the left.

Cross-Country Lent Term 2010

Congratulations to Felicity Hayward (U9) who won a gold medal in the Primary School Cross-Country and to Abigail Cunningham (U11) who won a gold medal at the West Mercian Cross-Country, both events took place at St Richard's.  Abigail is the first girl to win this race for St Richard's in 10 years.

At the National Preparatory Schools Cross-Country Championships Tatiana Watt came 7th and Abigail Cunningham came 24th.  Our U9 Girls Team also won three competitions held throughout the Lent term, including The King's Hawford Cross-Country.

The boys also achieved excellent results, both individual and team, within all year groups.

Our own Cross-Country course has to be seen to be believed; all the children rise to the challenge of it and, once run, it is never forgotten !

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Spanish Day

On Tuesday March 2nd, the children from Spain, entertained the school to a wonderful day of Spanish food and culture.  The day began with assembly for the whole school when Dicky introduced the theme to the English children and explained what was to happen during the day.  The amigos then spoke in turn briefly about different aspects of their culture, climate, location and diet, beginning with The Lord's Prayer in Spanish and ending with the Spanish National Anthem, played through Carlos' i-pod ! The children stood proudly to attention.

A wonderful chicken paella accompanied by Spanish omlette, ensaladilla Russa and chorizo was served for lunch and, to the surprise of Liz and Sue in the kitchen, turned out to be a great success.  Melon and a traditional lemon cake followed for pudding and Master Freddie Goff, whose father owns two of the best restaurants in London, (tried, tested and confirmed by Dicky and Sir) was heard to proclaim that this was the BEST lemon pudding he had EVER tasted.

All in all, the Spanish day was a resounding success.  Well done, nos amigos, and we are already looking forward to an Austrian day next term. Schnitzels and noodles....yum.!

Full Boarding Weekend

As dusk fell across the grounds of St Richard’s on Saturday 27th February the air was filled with the screams of terrified children as they crept through the woods desperately gripping ‘The Night Wire’ which they had been promised would lead them to safety. As they made their intrepid journey through the murk they were further petrified by the yells of ROC who hollered into the night with their mean and evil cries. Fear not ! Everyone made it back to Hiron’s Hall in time to watch Madagascar on a DVD before a nice early (not) bed.

The full boarding weekend continued the next day with a delicious cooked breakfast and games. First the children had to say a bizarre sentence several times over without getting it wrong – something about small fellows who felt smart. I don’t think anyone lasted long ! Another game included a fearful amount of putting on and taking off fancy dress to hoots of laughter and throwing of the dice – Megan Kupa got the reward for this (now you know Mum, she can dress quickly if she wants to !).   Swimming in the afternoon. No, despite the balmy weather, not in the school pool but at the Hereford Leisure Pool : fully equipped with wave machine, helter-skelter slide and 5m diving board (well done everybody who braved the latter – whether you jumped or dived !). The day ended with team games of Darts, Pool and Around-the-World Table-Tennis : well done Georg’s team who were victorious.

That’s what you call a very full Full Boarding weekend and, on behalf of the children and parents, an enormous thank you to Hardy and all his helpers for organising it.

 

The Opera Recital - January 2010

On Saturday night St Richard's was treated to singing like it had never heard before. Sadly it was not a couple of star pupils but two very professional soprano singers. Christina Pharo and Livia Farkas were accompanied by Nigel Foster on the piano and gave us all a very enjoyable insight into the world of opera.

Wine and canapés were served during the interval by smartly dressed, but very young, waiters and waitresses and the whole evening was a huge success.

Nearly £1,000 was raised for the school and the medical relief charity, Merlin. We have already sent them a cheque for £500 and they have written to thank us and explain how it will be put towards the Haiti Disaster Relief Appeal.

Cinderella performed by the children of St Richard's

The end of the Michaelmas Term 2009 saw the magnificent performance by the whole of St Richard's from Form 3 up, of the pantomine, Cinderella. It was 2.5 hours of pure bliss as the children lived up to their growing reputation as fearless actors. They were superbly cast, dressed outrageously and only a few of the lines were lost in the guffaws of laughter that could be heard constantly throughout the performance.


If, by some hideous misfortune, you missed all three of the live performances (more credit due to the production staff and stage crew) then you can still see it on a DVD currently available from the School Office @ £16.99. More costly than Brad Pitt's blockbusters but worth every penny.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention the ugly sisters ? ....the Headmaster and Sports Master.   Brad Pitt, eat your heart out !

Click here to visit the gallery.

St Richard's Christmas Fayre 2009

Last year's Christmas Fayre made a fabulous £4,000 ! This, combined with an associated donation of £500, means that we were able to give £1,000 to HOPE and £250 to Help for Heroes and still retain nearly £3,250 for our own use.  In addition to this, we raised nearly £500 from the Thank You cards.

These proceeds will be spent on a much-needed makeover for the The Drawing Room. Thank you so much to everyone for your stalwart support and generous donations.

Help for Heroes

2009 saw lots of fundraising for Help for Heroes.

Long snakes of coins were laid along the front drive - stretching between the cattlegrids. Children were encouraged to dress up as their hero with characters ranging from Florence Nightingale to Superman.

These events raised over £1,000 for the cause.