After such a busy musical term at Gresham’s Prep School, it is very exciting to learn that at the end of last term two Year 8 pupils achieved success at a national level.

Head Chorister Henny Hovenden has been accepted by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain to join their Girls’ Choir in 2012. Henny, who is a member of all 3 senior choirs at the Prep School (Chapel Choir, Jiminies & Chamber Choir) has singing lessons with former Director of Music at Gresham’s Elisabeth Rooke, and is a frequent soloist in concerts in and around Norfolk. She also studies cornet with Lynne Roberts and is involved with many of the sports teams at Gresham’s.

George Jefford is also a very keen sportsman and has just been accepted into the National Children’s Wind Orchestra for 2012. Despite only being in Year 8, George is working on grade 8 ABRSM repertoire on clarinet, trumpet AND piano. He is principal clarinettist in the school orchestra but especially enjoys playing guitar in his rock band – one of 14 pupil-led rock bands at Gresham’s Prep School.

Gresham’s students won the regional heat of the UK Maths Senior Team Challenge which took place at City College Norwich on Wednesday 23 November. The team competition for students in years 11, 12 and 13 tests mathematical, communication and teamwork skills, and aims to promote the study of maths at Sixth Form and beyond.

The four Gresham’s students tackled three gruelling rounds of mathematical problems and equations and managed to see off competitors from sixteen independent and state schools from East Anglia to make it to the national final, which will take place in London in February.

Reflecting on the victory, Deputy Head (Academic) David Miles said “The team performed outstandingly well, making only three errors throughout the three hour competition. They gained a total of 163 out of 176 points, outperforming the second place team by 46 points. We wish the team well in the National Final.”

Blackbird Cottage sleeping 3 is another new 2011 cottage.

Positioned just off Pearsons Road it used to form part of the old workhouse. A super renovation by a local builder has given the new owners a high quality starting point and they have enthusiastically and thoughtfully furnished Blackbird to a very good standard.

The Holt essential of parking is available as well as a good size walled garden and patio. For more inclement weather the interior is cosy and well equipped with a woodburner in the sitting room. The cottage is all on one level so suitable for the less mobile.

• Weekly charges from £395
• Short breaks from £260

For more information please visit www.countrysidecottagesnorfolk.com

On Sunday 2nd October, Gresham’s welcomed to the Auden Theatre cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards. Accompanying Sir Viv were the Antiguan Netball Coach, Karen Joseph and Don Gooding, leading Sports Tour Operator who were visiting the UK to promote Cricket and Netball tours to Antigua.

After retiring from Test cricket, Sir Vivian Richards was coach of the West Indies team and chairman of selectors, he also received an honorary knighthood for his services to cricket, and was named as one of Wisden Five Cricketers of the Century in 2000.

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Gresham’s new Shooting Master, James Lothian, will be captaining the Great Britain (GB) U25 rifle team at the Long Range Rifle Shooting World Championships in Brisbane, Australia, this October. Competing against five other nations, including the USA and South Africa, the GB team will have to undergo two weeks of intense competition in both the individual and team disciplines in order to make the final.

Nevertheless, we can be sure that the team is in good hands; James has had an impressive shooting career so far, competing annually in the National Championships and having undertaken a tour of South Africa with the Senior England team in 2009. What’s more, James will be joined in the GB team this year by Old Greshamian Gareth Davies, a testament to the strong shooting tradition at the School. Whilst it’s a tough task that lies ahead of him and the British team, we wish James and the GB team great luck at the Championships in October!