THE grand Gala Dinner held at Manchester Town Hall was an unqualified success, surpassing our expectations. A fantastic setting and 250 enthusiastic guests helped us to raise £24,000 towards the cost of our new Sports Complex.

Guest speaker was Clare Connor OBE, then Captain of the England Women's Cricket Team and leading Coronation Street actor, William Roache, took up the auctioneer's gavel.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, and Bill's skill as an auctioneer, some superb auction and raffle prizes raised £6,500 and thanks to the help of Alec Finch, father of our immediate past Head Girl, Beth, many Manchester businesses took part in the event along with parents and staff.

Another former Head Girl's father, Eamonn McManus, owner of St Helen's Rugby Club brought along some of his team, including Great Britain Rugby League Captain, Paul Sculthorpe who presented the successful bidder with his Tri Nations Rugby League Shirt.

Music was provided throughout the evening by our own talented students as was some excellent stewarding, and the wonderful floral decoration in the hall was designed and provided by parent, Gill Wood. 

The grand auction

Dinner is served