Beginning in the new term in September, my alma mater will showcase a shooting academy, the first ever to be based in a school in the United Kingdom. It will provide coaching and educational opportunities for talented marksmen and women, giving pupils from Ellesmere the chance to secure places with the national squad. To achieve this, Ellesmere's new Shooting Academy will be staffed by a team of three highly qualified marksmen. The shooting club at Ellesmere will continue to be run by Jim Quinlan, himself a keen marksman at international level. Jim is in the top picture honing the skills of an emerging talent. Tom Rylands, a member of the Great Britain squad who is experienced at team selection and coaching of all age groups joins Jim. One of the key objectives of this new partnership is to put together a squad to contest the Ashburton Cup at Bisley. Augmenting this unique team is David Gregory, seen here standing at the right of Nick Pettingale. David who is active with the Crewe Rifle and Pistol Club holds a belief that a child's self confidence and self esteem is boosted by the opportunity to find a sport the child can do well in.
I have nothing against gyms, local or otherwise, having paid my dues to one for some three years. That I only attended the establishment once is another matter altogether. Fun with kids on any day are a workout. Just ask any mum or dad you know or meet. I may take regular exercise but I am run off the pitch playing football with my Godson. That said, like any parent, I'll take that session of fun anytime to pedaling endlessly on a stationary bike or jogging on the road to nowhere on a treadmill in a gym. Having fun with kids presents some of the greatest of photo opportunities.
Like any parent though, I can tell you, it's a workout alright. But like any parent, I can testify too that there aren't many things that are greater fun.
At the kind invitation of Nick Pettingale its' Director of Development, I made only my fourth visit in over thirty years to Ellesmere College in June this year, the purpose of which was to assist in producing a stock of images for their prospectus and website. While I was thrilled at the prospect of returning, I wasn't quite sure what to expect of my old alma mater. Three decades had passed and if I recall correctly, three changes of principals though I was very encouraged by the speech Brendan Wignall the current headmaster, gave at the Old Ellesmerian London Dinner earlier in March that this was a new Ellesmere that I would find.
From the moment I drove into the main courtyard there seemed something quite different from the old school that I left in 1975. There was a buzz about the place, a life and energy that was present even though the sixth form was on study leave and a proportion of the boarders had begun their summer holidays. There were flowers in the new carpeted reception, lit trophy cabinets and leather bound chairs. In these days of private cellular communications, gone was the coin-operated payphone. It was much tidier and more welcoming.
The main corridor was lit with fresh and colourful pictures adorning the walls, promising that much more would be revealed during my two-day stay of the Ellesmere that was once hidden from my view.
Welcome to my humble blog. Over the coming days I hope you'll join me in my journey as I explored my old school while on assignment in the process of which, discovered the light of its' bright and promising future.