‘Hoo for Heroes’ walk returns for third year

Students and staff from the Hundred of Hoo School will once again be showing their support for the armed services by undertaking the third annual sponsored walk to the Cenotaph.

Over the weekend of 12 and 13 November, a group of 30 will walk from Gravesend to Whitehall, raising money along the way for the Help for Heroes Campaign. Students will seek donations and sell key-rings made by them in a school Technology project. The walk is being supported by Blackheath Rugby Club: the pupils will appear at the club’s home match on Saturday afternoon to raise money, and will sleep in the clubhouse on Saturday night before setting off early on Sunday morning to arrive at the Cenotaph at 1100.

One of those taking part is Year 7 student Paul Cook who is proudly walking in memory of his great, great, great, great grandfather, Albert Hall, a captain in the Royal Flying Corps who was awarded a Victoria Cross for valour during the First World War.

Mr Gary Squires, Assistant Head Teacher, who is leading the walk, said: ‘The whole community has really got behind this event. The school historically has close ties with the armed forces, and the walk is a way in which we can both honour those who have given their lives for their country, and provide financial support for wounded soldiers and their families in current conflicts’.

The school has raised in excess of £5000 in the previous two years, and the aim this year is to raise a further £5000 for this very worthy cause.

Students on a previous year's Hoo for Heroes walk

Dr Holden, Executive Principal, said: ‘Events such as these really demonstrate the spirit and enthusiasm of our students and staff. We want all of our pupils to excel in their time at Hoo, and part of this achievement is to go out into the world as active, engaged citizens. We are exceptionally proud of all of them’.

To make a donation, or for further information, contact the school’s Community Manager, John Keeley, by emailing here or phoning 01634 257510.

  

Hundred of Hoo School - War Memorial Project

The Hundred of Hoo School is busy working on a programme of events to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day - adding to the school’s ties with the armed forces and the support they show for the Help for Heroes campaign. The school is researching information about local people who gave their lives during the First World War and whose names are commemorated on the war memorial at Hoo Parish Church (pictured below with pupils from the school).

The school’s John Keeley said: ‘We feel that it is vitally important for our students to learn about, and appreciate, the sacrifices made by previous generations which enabled our young people to enjoy the freedoms and privileges they do today. By remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, our students are not only learning about their area’s history, but are also able to appreciate the very important notion that freedom should not be taken for granted, and sometimes demands a heavy price for its defence’.

If anyone can help supply information about any of those listed on Hoo’s war memorial (shown more closely below), please get in touch with Mr Sims, a member of staff at the school, by sending an email here.

11-11-11-11

Remembrance Day silence, when the nation pauses to remember all those who have given their lives for their country, comes with a special once-in-a-lifetime date and time this year, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the decade.

Take a look at the Royal British Legion website by clicking here, or visit the Help for Heroes website here.
 

Youth activities in Hoo!

There’s a ‘Total Wipeout’ test of skill and agility on a sweeper arm inflatable - just like the one on the TV - on Monday 22 August in Pottery Road Park (pictured below), next to Hoo Village Hall. There will also be circus skills, a variety of sports and a BBQ at the event, which takes place between 12 noon and 3pm.

On Thursday 25 August there’s a Paintball trip for those aged between 13 and 19.

And Lindsay Hartney (Youth Development Worker and Organiser for Hoo Youth Club) has told me that the Football Project and Youth Club will both re-start next month. From 12 September, there’ll be football activities every Monday, from 6pm till 7pm at the Hundred of Hoo School on Main Road - just turn up and join in! The Youth Club, kicking off again at the end of September, will be every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm till 9.30pm at Hoo Village Hall on Pottery Road (50p entry). Anyone aged 12 years and over is welcome to attend.

To receive more information, and a consent form for the Paintball trip (which costs £25 each), contact Lindsay on 07795 236289.