BBC-RManchester-JEdwards-16May2012

Sir Charles Allen visits Freddies as part of the London 2012 Olympics build up – 09/05/12

As part of the build up to the 2012 Olympics, Sir Charles Allen CBE dropped in to Fred Longworth High School today.

His visit was part of a tour of the North West where he visited projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympics. He was treated to a variety of Drama and Musical performances, which culminated in a ‘flashmob’ performance from over one hundred Nowt2Do? dancers.

The visit was arranged following a glowing report from triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards after his visit to the school in March. He fed back to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and commented, “I am absolutely blown away with the amazing work going on and it has been one of my favourite school visits. There is a fantastic atmosphere and energy amongst everyone”.

Sir Charles Allen is the Chair of LOCOG’s Nations and Regions Group, responsible for bringing about the UK-wide benefits of the Games, and was appointed to LOCOG’s Audit Committee in May 2011 and the Ceremonies Committee in July 2010. He is Chairman of the Join In Trust and was previously Vice-Chairman of the London 2012 bid company. His business career ranges from steel to hotels. He is especially known for his contribution to the media industry, having played a key role in the development of ITV, EMI and Global Radio. Charles chaired the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 and he is Chairman of Global Radio Group, Chairman of 2 Sisters Food Group and a member of the Boards of Directors of Virgin Media, Endemol and GET. He is also a Senior Advisor to Goldman Sachs. Charles has been Chairman of Granada and EMI Music, a member of the Board of Directors of Tesco plc, CEO of ITV and Chief Adviser to the Home Office.

Sir Charles was greeted by Headteacher Jan Garretts and School Based Police Officer PC Andy Wright, who set up the extra-curricular Nowt2Do? project, and he was extremely impressed with the atmosphere of the school and the commitment and talent of the students and said they were truly inspiring.

Speaking to the students he said “Jonathan Edwards, my deputy, said that this was an absolutely fantastic school and it’s great to follow in his footsteps and see it for myself. This is about exceptional people doing exceptional things – it’s about inspiration and that’s why the project is called Inspire. Whether it’s Arts, Sport, Cooking or Culture it’s truly inspirational seeing this talent on show today. The Olympics and Paralympics are a once in a lifetime experience and I hope you’re all going to be involved in it. The torch event comes to the North West soon and I hope you get chance to see it and you find something that the Olympics inspires you to do”.

Headteacher Jan Garretts said ““It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Sir Charles to Fred Longworth High School, especially to be chosen from all the schools in the North West to represent the Olympic Inspire project. Our students certainly proved that creativity and talent are thriving in Tyldesley!”

Andy Worthington, Chair of the North West Steering Group for the 2012 Games, said: “Groups across the Northwest have embraced the Olympic values and interpreted them in their own innovative ways. The Nowt2do project is an excellent example of our communities in action and they will no doubt leave behind a legacy for future generations.”

http://www.flhs.org.uk/downloads/nowt2do.pdf

Fred Longworth High School and the Nowt2Do? Project has the special banner made for the event.

Amazing!

What an exciting time with the Olympics just around the corner and to win this award is brilliant.  Well done to everyone. 

THEY’VE done it again!

The amazing Nowt2Do? youth project which has involved 17,000 young people in recent years has delivered another amazing performance showcasing the rich vein of local teenage talent.

Over 100 students from Fred Longworth, St Mary’s, Bedford and Westleigh high schools entertained an audience at Leigh Sports Village

The Nowt2Do? Project set up by PC Andy Wright provides a wide range of activities, free of charge, for hundreds of young people and the project is expanding. The activities are what the young people have asked for and promote healthy lifestyles. The activities include dance, football, drama, art, table tennis, badminton, rockschool, samba band and other activities.

The project has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark and has been nominated and shortlisted to carry the Olympic Torch. The project has also been jointly awarded The Cultural Partnership Recognizing Best Young Persons Project Award 2011.

PC Wright said “We started this as a 10 week trial. Three years later the activities are still ongoing due to demand. With the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games around the corner it’s important to get young people involved as many activities as possible.

The Nowt2Do? is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The Nowt2Do? project, set up by PC Andy Wright, is encouraging young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Greater Manchester Police are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in activities for young people in Wigan.”

Working with Wigan and Leigh Housing and other partners the Nowt2Do? Project is looking to expand into Lowton High School in the new year. For further information see school websites, http://www.flhs.org.uk/nowt2do/ or ring Atherton Neighbourhood Police on 0161 856 7319.

Many thanks to Trevor Barton MBE for presenting the awards.

The Nowt2Do? Project has delivered another amazing show at Formby Hall, Atherton.  Over 100 Young people from Fred Longworth, St Mary’s, Bedford and Westleigh performed in front of a packed audience.  There were dance performances from all the schools, solo vocal performances from Emma Baird and Caitlin Wineyard and a Solo drum performance from Steph Ball who is the current School Idol winner.  A lively performance from local rock band Everyday Goldfish ended the show.
The Nowt2Do? Project set up by PC Andy Wright provides a wide range of activities, free of charge, for hundreds of young people and the project is expanding.  The activities are what the young people have asked for and promote healthy lifestyles.  The activities include dance, football, drama, art, table tennis, badminton, rockschool, samba band and other activities.
The project has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark and has been nominated and shortlisted to carry the Olympic Torch.  The project has also been jointly awarded The Cultural Partnership Recognizing Best Young Persons Project Award 2011.
PC Wright said “We started this as a ten week trial.  Three years later the activities are still ongoing due to demand.  With the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games around the corner it’s important to get young people involved as many activities as possible.
Working with Wigan and Leigh Housing and other partners the Nowt2Do? Project is looking to expand into Lowton High School in the new year.  For further information see school websites, http://www.flhs.org.uk/nowt2do/ or ring Atherton Neighbourhood Police on 0161 856 7319.

Well done to the Nowt2Do? performers, Morgan Baily, Olivia Entwistle and Rebecca Wright who took part in the Heather Stott Radio Show at the new media city, Salford.  See our  FB page or our twitter site @NowtoDoUK for more info/pics.

Nowt2Do? Project has been awarded The Cultural Partnership Recognising Best Young Persons Project Award 2011 at Haigh Hall on Saturday.

The Nowt2Do? Project has been nominated and got through the first stage of the application process.  We have now been shortlisted to carry the official Olympic Torch as it tours the country.

Also see that we have been listed onto the official London 2012 Website.

http://www.nwbeinspired.com/get-involved/the-inspire-programme/index.htm

The Nowt2Do? is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The Nowt2Do? project, set up by PC Andy Wright, is encouraging young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Greater Manchester Police are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in activities for young people in Wigan.”