Another Robbie Williams Discussion Forum aka The Dotmusic Revival Forum

JON BAMBER

12:07 - 15 June 2004

A State-of-the-art performing arts suite at a Stoke-on-Trent high school which is named after its most famous pupil has been officially opened. The Robert "Robbie" Williams Performing Arts Suite was opened last night at St Margaret Ward Catholic School And Arts College in Tunstall by former headteacher, Conrad Bannon, in the presence of the pop star's mum Jan Williams and sister Sally.

Robbie had made the £1 million building possible by donating £50,000 from his personal fortune to allow the school to gain specialist status as a performing arts college.

Then the school, backed by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, put in bids to the Department of Education to get the funds for the vision to become a reality. The suite boasts a drama and dance studio, a second studio, control room, an old and new gym, showers and changing rooms, offices, store rooms, a garden and courtyard.

Robbie's former deputy headteacher Frank Jevons, who is head of the Arts College, told how the once distant dream was made possible by Robbie's generosity. "He was a super boy and it was great of him to stump up the cash. I remember him as someone who had a lot of flair and was made for the stage. He has been back a couple of times to see us and always comes unexpected. Hopefully, he can come again in the next few months."

Headteacher Chris Smith said the building was a "fantastic facility for the pupils" which would allow them to perform at a higher level.

He paid particular praise to Robbie for his sponsorship, Mrs Williams for her ongoing support for the school, his predecessor Mr Bannon for having the vision for the centre, and to Ms Walley for her "influence in helping the bid become successful".

Mrs Williams said the project took off after she had been talking to Mr Bannon and he said the school was trying to raise £50,000 to allow it to gain specialist status as a performing arts centre.

She said: "I spoke to Robert and he decided to donate the cash. Robert is very proud of his school and is always asking after it. He wants to know how everybody is, especially his old teachers and he keeps in touch with some of his old friends and Mr Bannon. He is hoping to visit the school soon. He wanted this building so it can be used by the children of the city."

Former headteacher Mr Bannon said: "Robert could have ignored the school. It is tremendous what he has done. The difficult bit is getting the £50,000 but Robert came in with a magnificent gesture and we are eternally grateful."