Olympic rowing hero returns to Harrogate school
Published Date:
10 October 2008
OLYMPIC gold medal rower Andrew Hodge paid a special visit to his former Birstwith school last week to open its new £33,000 adventure trail, outdoor classroom and amphitheatre.
The rower found himself surrounded by a sea of familiar red blazers as he officially opened the new facility at Belmont Grosvenor on Friday.
Andrew was a pupil at Grosvenor House School from 1987 to 1990 and has many happy memories of his time at Swarcliffe Hall.
He said: "It's a great school. My mum used to drop me at school every morning on her way into work in Leeds.
"I remember this huge, imposing front door when I was a small boy but now I'm back in front of it it's just a normal front door."
Headteacher Jane Merriman said Belmont Grosvenor was delighted Andrew came to visit his old school.
She said: "He is a wonderful inspiration to all our pupils at Belmont Grosvenor and everyone was very excited about meeting him, and seeing his gold Olympic medal."
Former Headmaster Geoffrey Raspin, was excited to meet Andrew again – remembering him as a quiet, slightly shy, well-behaved student.
"I don't remember him being particularly sporty at school – to think he has become an Olympic rower with a Gold medal is such an achievement and something of which we are all very proud."
The money for the £33,000 extension was raised by the PTA.
The full article contains 242 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.
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Last Updated:
10 October 2008 12:49 PM
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Source:
Harrogate Advertiser
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Location:
Harrogate
