Great Bedwyn School’s three day Olympics, a sporting event involving the whole school, was officially opened on Friday July 16 with an Olympic torch carrying procession through the village. Grace Woodhouse and Beau Pigeon, the eldest and youngest children in the school, walked through the village carrying one of the original London 2012 Olympic torches, cheered on by many pupils, families and local residents.
The torch was lent to the School by Dr David Hemery CBE, Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400 metre hurdles. There is a link between the school and the Hemery family as both David’s wife Vee and Great Bedwyn pupil Grace supported and attended the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
David said, “I am delighted to help and I am thrilled with the RDA link. My wife Vee helped at RDA for many years and is still very involved in the RDA Driving group. Bedwyn School has the most amazing ‘can do’ attitude towards RDA and we were all thrilled to be able to continue to help the children during lockdown.”
Michelle Perrett, Principal at Great Bedwyn School commented, “We are very grateful to David Hemery for allowing the school to use the torch, and it made the opening ceremony even more special.
It was amazing to see so many local residents cheering from their gardens and along the road. Thank you to everyone for making this an enjoyable experience and a huge success!”