Not long ago we heard that Abi Booth and Violet Land, both Year 8 students at Richmond, had recently taken part in the Worsall Amateur Dramatic Society’s charity production of Sleeping Beauty. We have already published stories about Richmond students’ involvement in the Georgian Theatre Royal’s production of Cinderella and the Hudswell Village Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz, so to have a third panto story was excellent news! We caught up with Abi and Violet to find out more: 

RS: So, tell us a bit about the panto – what was it and who put it on? 

VL: It was Sleeping Beauty and it was put on by Wamdram – the Worsall Amateur Dramatic Society. They’re a local group based at the village hall in Low Worsall, near Yarm. 

AB: Wamdram started in 2011 and they put on a panto every year in February. This is the sixth time I’ve been in it – I was only five the first time! 

VL: ... and it’s the third time I’ve done it. 

RS: You’re both old hands! How did you get the parts – did you have to audition? 

AB: If you want to be in it, you can be, especially the young people. I watched Rapunzel when I was little and I’ve been in it since then. The more you’ve been in it, the more likely you are to get bigger parts – they do audition for the main parts, though. 

RS: And what parts did you play this year? 

VL: I played Mayhem – the wicked fairy’s servant – she was called Carabosse. It was a speaking part, and I was on stage quite a bit – mostly with Carabosse. 

AB: I was one of the three narrators. I was on stage a lot – we had our lines in front of us in a book, and we helped the story along. 

RS: So, Abi, you mentioned lines – I guess you didn’t have to learn any because they were in front of you! What about you, Violet – did you have many to learn? 

VL: I had 11 lines, but some of them were quite long. I found them reasonably easy to learn because I’ve done quite a lot of acting before. 

RS: Tell us about the rehearsals and the performances. 

AB: Rehearsals started at the start of the school year, then we had four performances at the end of January – Thursday and Friday evening, then a matinee and an evening performance on the Saturday. It was in the village hall and lots of people bought tickets – it raises money for charity – Yarm Wellness this year. 

RS: And, looking back, what were some of the highlights? 

VL: It was all brilliant, but it was the last one for some of our friends before they go off to university, so being there with them was a real highlight – we've known them for ages! One of them played Princess Aurora and the other one was one of the other Narrators with Abi. 

I also really like being onstage, but backstage is fun too – if there’s a song on stage, you can sing along backstage! 

AB: I love the dress rehearsal weekend, the weekend before the performances. We go through the whole performance four times and it’s amazing to see everyone in their costumes and makeup and the lights and everything – it's lovely just seeing it all come together at the last minute. 

RS: Ok – those are some highlights, but not everything always goes perfectly – tell us about a time where things could have gone better! 

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Jorge and Sophie were nominated by Mr Swanwick who said: “Last week we were hosting the U13 and U15 Indoor Cricket Competitions which saw 4 schools competing to progress to the Yorkshire Finals. On the day of the event, we had two pitches that required umpires, and at the very last minute due to unforeseen circumstances both Jorge and Sophie stepped in to run the U13's competition showing great independence. Both Jorge and Sophie had just completed a full morning of GCSE PE moderation, without a break, and were thrust straight into umpiring and scoring duties. Jorge led the way umpiring all six matches with Sophie scoring from square leg.  

On top of this, Jorge showed her motivational skills when talking to our school U13 team. The girls had lost their first two matches, but Jorge was on hand to gee them up and offer her words of wisdom. The respect shown by Jorge and Sophie to the competing teams throughout was a pleasure to see and feedback received from the competing schools also showed high praise for our magnificent cricket leaders.  

Without Jorge and Sophie, we would not have been able to run such a smooth event, and we are extremely grateful to both of them for stepping in at the last minute. With the event finishing at 3pm both girls also missed their lunch, but thankfully a tray bake and cheese sandwich apiece from the restaurant prevented them from becoming hangry. Well done girls!” 

Thanks to Mr Oliver, coach and manager of the U14 boys football squad, for the following:   

"Before half term the U14 Boys team welcomed Wensleydale School to the Dave Clark Arena for an Area Cup fixture. The game started with a sustained spell of possession and control for Richmond but we struggled to create any clear chances. Our breakthrough came from a corner where Oliver Pickles had a great attempt which hit the post, then rather fortunately bounced straight back to his feet for him to place into the net: 1-0 Richmond.   

The goal settled some early nerves, and everyone started to play some good football, keeping control of the game with some solid defensive performances when called upon. Connell Lacey added a second goal for Richmond before Archie King gave us a 3-0 lead just before half time.   

The talk at half time showed how competitive the game had been - everyone was still fully focused and realised the game was absolutely still in the balance. Half time brought the introduction of four new Richmond players: Gabe d'Silva, Lincoln Sykes, Tobyn Gardner and William Littler. Lincoln managed to race free from his defenders to slot home a great finish in a 1 on 1 opportunity with the opponent's goalkeeper. He then turned creator after beating his defensive marker to slot a great ball through for Olly Middlemiss, who calmly finished with his right foot in what is now becoming his trademark goal. Gabe then showed a nice piece of skill and a good pass to Connell who expertly placed the ball into the back of the net for a 6-0 lead to Richmond.   

As the game was approaching the final stages, a corner was whipped in for Lincoln to attempt an audacious overhead kick which narrowly missed by hitting the crossbar but very kindly dropped straight back to him for him to blast home his second goal of the game. The whole defence then played a great final few minutes to protect the clean sheet, particularly Curtis Haughton-Wilson who made some top saves as well as some brilliant sweeping actions. Full time, 7-0 to Richmond.  

A fantastic performance by everyone involved in what has become a regular and tricky fixture against a good Wensleydale School team. Richmond now progress onto the next round of the Area Cup and are awaiting news on who is up next. Player of the match went to Lincoln for his 2 goals and 1 assist - well done!

Photo (left to right): Lincoln Sykes, Gabe d'Silva, Freddie Curtis, Olly Middlemiss, William Littler, Owain Hyatt, Connell Lacey, George Reed, Harry Coyle, Curtis Haughton-Wilson, Archie King, Seth Bell, Zach Aylett, Oliver Pickles, Tobyn Gardner.  

Player of the match photo: Lincoln Sykes." 

Thank you to Mr Swanwick, PE teacher and cricket coach at Richmond, for the following report:  

“Our U13 and U15 girls cricket teams recently participated in the North Yorkshire Indoor Cricket competition, hosted here at Richmond School.  

For our U13 team it was a very exciting first taste of competitive cricket, with the team consisting of 11 Year 7 students, all playing effectively against teams one school year above them. On the day the girls showed great togetherness and teamwork, encouraging one and other throughout. The team was supported throughout the day by our stand in Coach Miss Hamer and our Year 11 Cricket Leaders Jorge Lumley and Sophie White. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their day of cricket and will no doubt return in the summer months when the hard ball season begins after Easter.  

Our U15 team managed to make it through to Finals Day, winning two of their five matches to finish a respectable 4th. What really stood out for me on the day was the togetherness and support that the girls have for one another. Every wicket was celebrated as a team, with high fives aplenty. The bowling and fielding from all the team was exceptional. When batting, the girls were fully supportive of one another, with some big hitting by Annabel Hodges and Freya Atkinson. The team was led by Freya throughout the day and she did brilliantly, making sure everyone got to play a part, be it with the ball, bat or being placed in prominent fielding positions. Even when errors were made, there was no arguing or shouting - the girls stuck together and were an absolute joy to work with. The highlight of the day had to be the magnificent hat-trick by Ellie Buchanan against Kings Academy that completely turned the game on its head - her bowling all day was outstanding.  

Well done to all the girls that competed, I look forward to seeing what the outdoor hard ball season brings this summer term.” 

Some time ago, we heard that Oliver Pickles, Year 9 student at Richmond School, and his brother Charlie, Year 7, were taking part in a 24hr sponsored walk, raising money for their 12-year-old cousin Louie. Louie had recently and very sadly been diagnosed with bone cancer, and the money was being raised to support the family. 

We caught up with the two brothers to find out a bit more. 

To start with, it’s just Charlie... 

RS: Tell us a bit about what you did last weekend, Charlie. 

CP: Me and mum, my brother Oliver and my sister Dolly drove to Mansfield. Dad met us down there because he was at work. We were going to visit our cousin Louie, but he was really sick that day, so we went to do the walk. 

RS: And am I right in saying that it was a 24hr walk – that's a long time! 

CP: Some people did 24hrs, but we didn’t. Some people walked more than 30 miles. 

RS: Wow - that is a long way! How far did you walk and who did you walk with? 

CP: Me and mum did seven miles. In the rain. My sister did five miles – she's only four – then she got in the pram. 

At this point, we are joined by Oliver. 

RS: Thanks for joining us, Oliver. Charlie’s been telling us a bit about the walk – maybe you can fill us in on a few more details? Can you tell us how many people were doing the walk and how the money was raised? 

OP: Yes, there were more than 60 people doing the walk, and they were all raising money via Louie’s Gofundme page. They were all friends and family, but there were some other people there as well – they'd found out about it because it was advertised on the page. When people asked what we were doing the walk for, we told them about Louie and the Gofundme page, so hopefully we raised some more money. 

RS: Charlie said that he and mum walked seven miles, and Dolly walked five, then got in the pram. How far did you and dad walk? 

OP: On the first day I did 17 and a half miles with my dad, then another three on the next day, so 20 and a half miles in total. That first day definitely felt like a long way! 13 people made it all the way to the end – 30 miles. 

RS: And how did the walk work – did you do circuits? 

OP: No. On the first day we started at a pub near where Louie lives – in Mansfield – then the route took us through lots of little villages near Mansfield. The organiser had worked the route out, and everyone followed him. Then on the second day there was a five-mile circuit – some people did three circuits, so they walked 45 miles in total. 

RS: That is a very long way – but you did brilliantly walking more than 20 miles!  

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Louie’s Gofundme page is here: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/louies-biggest-match-yet-fighting-bone-cancer-at-age-12 

And the page for the football match is here: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/louie-pickles-charity-football-match 

Three Richmond School Equestrian Team riders competed in a National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) league showjumping competition at Northallerton Equestrian Centre recently.

Ruby Bell, Year 8, jumped a double clear round in the 50cm Optimum Time class on her pony Megland Royal Minstrel. She placed a brilliant second in the 70cm class with another clear round. Ruby rode her other pony, Killea Silver Boro Lady, in the 80cm class, placing 8th overall and 5th nationally. Ruby had a tough round in the 90cm class, picking up 8 faults due to a tight turn resulting in a stop and a rail down. 

Charlie Ingham, also Year 8, rode her pony Lily (Secret Desire II) in the 80cm class placing 10th overall and 6th nationally. 

Leah Knight, Year 10, rode her young and inexperienced pony Diamond Dubonnet. She didn’t manage to place this time, but the combination gained excellent experience for next time!  

Miss Spittlehouse, leader of the Richmond School Equestrian Team, said: “All the girls rode very well, gaining excellent experience and representing the school brilliantly. This event was a warm-up for the super qualifiers in February and March – we're aiming to qualify for the NSEA Arena Eventing Championships for the second year running with the three students we have entered – fingers crossed!”  

Watch this space for reports from those qualifiers! 

The U14s delivered a dominant performance in their 5–0 win against King James, showcasing excellent teamwork, individual brilliance, and real determination from the first whistle to the last. 

From the outset, the team controlled the tempo, moving the ball with confidence and playing some superb football throughout the match. Even as fatigue set in during the second half, the players continued to work hard for each other, maintaining their structure and intensity. 

Standout Performances 

Goalscorers 

Each goal reflected the team’s attacking intent and creativity, with several brilliant individual finishes adding to an already impressive display. 

Between the Posts 

A big thank you goes to Charlee Stead and Orla Noone, who both stepped up to take turns in goal and contributed to securing the clean sheet.  

No photo was taken on the night as the players were very wet and cold! This photo is from a previous match with a slightly different set of players. 

Thanks to Mr Moore, joint Lead Teacher of PE as well as coach and manager of girls' rugby at Richmond School, for this report about a recent local fixture: 

“Richmond School’s Year 9 and Year 10 girls joined together as one rugby team and produced an excellent performance in their recent fixture against Thirsk School and Wensleydale School.  

From the opening whistle, Richmond played brilliantly as a team, showing commitment and determination in both matches. As the games progressed, the players grew in confidence, moving the ball well and supporting each other across the pitch. 

Richmond went on to win both games, a result that was fully deserved and built on a complete team effort. Every player contributed, with clear teamwork in both attack and defence proving to be the key to success. The matches were a great demonstration of how determination and teamwork can lead to outstanding performances and positive results. 

We now have big plans to get a few more students involved and progress to full 15-a-side games in the near future. Watch this space!” 

Thank you to Emma, mum of Willow Connell, Year 10 student at Richmond and Lily, ex-student, for the following:  

“Willow Connell and her older sister and former student Lily hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Saturday at Barton Village Hall. They sadly lost their grandad Dave at age 62 to a rare and aggressive thyroid cancer in September 2024 after a 7-month battle. For the second year running, they wanted to host an event close to what would have been his birthday to try and raise money. Last February the event raised £800!   

A huge thank-you to those who came to support the MacMillan coffee morning in memory of Lily & Willow’s Grandad Dave on Saturday.  

Whilst it was not the busy event we had hoped for (the weather putting a dampener on the day compared to last year's sunshine) those who did venture out braving the cold, damp day to support the event, really did enjoy it. Lots of happy faces, with arms full of tombola prizes and a belly full of cake!

Together we still raised well over £300, with some donations still to come as the online donation page is still open. We will wait before giving a total amount just yet, but it’s creeping towards £400 as I send this update.  
 
Thanks again to all who helped out, who donated prizes, who came along and enjoyed the event, helping raise lots for Macmillan.  

A few of my framed photograph prints sold too, which, as Dave kept encouraging me to keep taking photographs and always said he thought I had a talent for it, was my nod to him. On the day, all money raised from those sales went towards the total for Macmillan too.   

 A big well done to Lily & Willow for wanting to do this event again.  

Nanna Mel & I are very proud, as would Grandad Dave have been.”  

The family would be very grateful for any further donations – at the link below: 

https://tinyurl.com/WillowandLilyCoffeeMorning26