Secret Garden Production Wows Easingwold Audience
A recent production of a children’s classic revealed the darker side of a much loved story as children from Cundall Manor School took to the stage. A select group of 14 and 15 year old actors performed at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold in front of an appreciative audience as they brought to life Frances Hodgeson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. Director and Head of Drama at the school, Liz Vile, said: “A memorable and exciting night was had by all who participated and attended ‘The Secret Garden’. Adding: “The cast worked so hard and produced a slick and confident performance that was full of amazing individual performances. The night was enjoyed by all and I am so very proud of all the students who gave up their time to make this production the success that it was.” The Secret Garden is the classic Edwardian tale of Mary Lennox, a young orphan girl who is sent from Indian to live with her reclusive Uncle in Misselthwaite Manor, an isolated Stately Home in Yorkshire. But all is not what it seems at Misselthwaite. The annual Upper School production was well received on social media with one parent stating it was a “thoroughly enjoyable show with some amazing performances. Well done all those involved.” The production was the start of a series of performances at the Galtres Centre, with youngsters from the school taking to the stage over the next week. To find out more about one of the north’s leading schools or to arrange a personalised tour, call 01423 360 200 or email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk
Cundall claim national hockey title
Cundall Manor School secured their first national title of the season as they came out on top in the U13 ISA National Championship at the Olympic Park in London. The girls claimed the prestigious trophy at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre which was used in the 2012 Olympics. The school, based between Ripon and Thirsk, triumphed against tough opposition from across the country before clinching the title in the final after a dominant performance against a strong Hull Collegiate side, beating the travelling East Yorkshire team in an all Yorkshire final 3-1. The side, who only conceded one goal throughout the tournament, were presented with the trophy by Phil Roper, Wimbledon and GB Hockey international. Head of Girls Games at Cundall Manor School, Louise Bessey, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the performance the girls put in to achieve this prestigious title. This team are a great balance of experience and enthusiasm for a game you can see they love.” The Cundall side fielded several county players and combined players from the U12 and U13 sides. The team beat Malvern St James from Worcestershire 4-0 in the opening game before overcoming a strong Ballard side 2-0 to progress to the knock stages. En route to the final the North Yorkshire youngsters fought hard to beat Lingfield School 1-0 in the quarter final before meeting Ballard again in the semi-final. Mrs Bessey added: “The team performed exceptionally throughout the tournament. Hannah Barker put away her opportunities in front of goal with a calm conviction and the defence held their own with an outstanding back line, only conceding one goal all day.” The national win at the ISA championship comes hot on the heels of the school being shortlisted for the Independent Schools Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport.