We take a look at Reigate Grammar’s recent sporting and musical accomplishments.

Great British Life: Redhill SinfoniaRedhill Sinfonia (Image: Max Grizaard PHOTOGRAPHER)

Student receives prestigious violin scholarship

Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form student, Charles Lee has been awarded a violin scholarship with the Redhill Sinfonia Orchestra. It’s a new scholarship programme for suitably qualified school-age string players. This achievement is wonderful as Charles has only been playing with them since September, and he is thrilled to have been chosen for one of these awards.

Great British Life: Ellie Green played for the London and South East U15 divisional sideEllie Green played for the London and South East U15 divisional side (Image: Archant)

Redhill Sinfonia

The Redhill Sinfonia is one of the oldest amateur orchestras in the country. Established in 1891 under the name of “Redhill Society of Instrumentalists”, during its long history it has been associated with many famous names – including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gordon Jacob who were Presidents of the orchestra in 1946 and 1958 respectively – and has performed with numerous high-profile soloists (Leon Goossens, Jack Brymer, Gervase de Peyer, Timothy Jackson, Susan Gritton, Kai Gleusteen and Ivana Gavric to name but a few). The Sinfonia’s current President is Maureen Lovell, a well-known local cellist. The orchestra’s Principal Conductor is John Beswick.

The orchestra has a membership of nearly 60 amateur musicians and each year performs three concerts (usually at Reigate Park Church or the Harlequin Theatre) of varied repertoire. Key to the orchestra’s continued success, popularity and high standard are the skill and enthusiasm of its professional conductors and leader David Burton.

As part of their commitment to musical education in the community, Redhill Sinfonia Orchestra are offering scholarships, in the form of waiving the usual subscription fee, to school-age string players (violin, viola, cello or double bass) who have attained grade 8 standard. Players must be able to commit to Monday evening rehearsals during term time at Holy Trinity Church, Carlton Road, Redhill, and the concerts (usually on a Saturday near the end of each term).

Great British Life: Hosting the EVO Hockey CampHosting the EVO Hockey Camp (Image: Archant)

England Rugby Success

This month has seen a very successful time for Reigate Grammar School rugby students. Sixth Form student, Max Coyle was selected to play for the England U17 against France U17 on the 16 April in Newcastle. England won 19-17 with Max scoring one of the tries. This is an amazing achievement and highlights Max’s continued success in the sport, He is currently part of the Harlequins Academy and will be looking to continue his national selection into next season.

• Fellow Sixth Form students, Marcus Sotiriou, Joe Gregson and Lucas Overtoom all played for Surrey U17 in their 26-19 victory over Middlesex - Lucas and Marcus both scoring.

• Ellie Green played for the London and South East U15 divisional side in their last graded game - Ellie kicking 3/4 goals.

• Tom Allen played for Surrey U15 in their victory over Middlesex.

So it has been a very positive weekend for RGS rugby!

Hosts EVO Hockey Camps

Reigate Grammar School once again played host to the EVO Hockey Camps over the Easter break. The camp was sold out for 2 days and allowed local children to learn more about hockey. Whether a beginner or an advanced player the camps provide training on all levels, available to boys and girls of all abilities aged between 6-17 years old. The camp was taught by a host of National and International players and many students met ‘stars’ who had inspired them to play hockey.

Professional Coaches included: Chris Bowen (South Africa, Wales, Performance Director for Hockey) Jonty Griffiths (England & Great Britain U21, England Development Squad) Rob Farrington (England & Great Britain U21, England Development Squad) Ore Ogunlana (England U18 Goal Keeper) Rhys Smith (England & Great Britain U21, England Development Squad) Harry Reynolds (Evo Super Coach) Janne Muller-Wieland (German Captain, 2 x Olympian, training for Rio Olympics) Harriet Pittard (England U18 & U21)

Reigate Grammar School and EVO Hockey have partnered together to run the hockey camps throughout the year. For further camp details and to book a place go to: www.evohockeycamps.com

http://www.reigategrammar.org/