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VIP opens new library

Special guest officially opens newly transformed library space for Queen's Park 'Riding High' School .

At the end of last term we were delighted to welcome Gyles Brandreth to Queen’s Park High School to officially open the recently transformed library learning space. Gyles delighted the audience with his passion and enthusiasm for the written word, leaving the audience inspired to explore language and rise above the power of the emoji!

The project began over twelve months ago thanks to the inspiration and support from Hannah Wehbeh Interior Design, the designer behind the beautiful, innovative interior design of Storyhouse in Chester. Hannah met with Headteacher, Lyndsay Watterson, following the school’s Open Evening. Hannah expressed the desire to work with students from the school to produce a more creative and inspiring learning space within the library for the benefit of the students.

Hannah met with our ‘Book Loving Tuesdays’ enrichment students and, between them, they explored ideas, themes, colours and textures which Hannah then took away and turned into a reality with the support of some of her key suppliers.

"I have loved working with the students and staff at QPHS. Together I think we have created a new and inspiring space where students can discover, be inspired and find a quiet place when needed."

Hannah Wehbeh, Interior Designer

The official opening gave Headteacher, Lyndsay Watterson the opportunity to thank Hannah for her creative skills and her generosity in terms of her time in particular. Lyndsay also went on to thank the School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for their outstanding support of the school through their fundraising, which enables such projects as this to take place, as well as acknowledging the support given to the school by their Academy Trust, The Learning Trust. 

"Our library learning space is now a unique, creative space which no longer has the feel of a ‘school library’. As a school, we are very lucky to have such positive support from both within and outside of our community, enabling us to always seek to better ourselves for the benefit of our students."

Miss Lyndsay Watterson, Headteacher

In his entertaining speech Gyles unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the library before chatting to students, staff and invited guests.

"I have been coming to Queen’s Park High School, off and on for nearly forty years, so I have seen some of the story of this school, its ups and its downs, and it is wonderful to arrive at a time when clearly it should be called Queen’s Park ‘Riding High’ School, with this library epitomising the great things that are going on at the school."

Gyles Brandreth, Writer & Broadcaster