Cycling Through the Years: Queen Margaret’s School Girls Bike Historic Journey to Raise Funds
Girls at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick, York are preparing for the ride of a lifetime. On Saturday 4 October, girls in Years 11-13 will complete a 24-hour cycle ride of the school’s historic journey of locations during its 113 year history in order to raise funds for a new QM Cardio Suite. The ride will take place on spinning bikes in the Centenary Foyer at QM.
The School, which originally opened in Scarborough in 1901, was evacuated to Pitlochry during the First World War, returning to Scarborough after the war and then going to Castle Howard during the Second World War. It wasn’t until 1949 that the School came to its current location in Escrick Park. In order to commemorate the School’s history and bring awareness to the fundraising efforts, girls will pedal throughout the night, taking turns to complete the 590.1 mile journey. The Grand Depart will take place on Saturday 4 October at 15:00 and conclude the following afternoon.
Development of the current space has been spearheaded by the girls, with plans to unveil a dynamic space outfitted with a range of cardio equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines and spin bikes. The symbolic journey will help make this project a reality; girls are hoping to raise £27,500 through a variety of fundraising efforts.
Acting Head Mrs Carole Cameron noted:
This is an exciting project that the girls have led from its inception; the significance behind cycling the journey of the school highlights the influence of Queen Margaret’s history on current girls and shows the dedication of all girls involved in making the QM Cardio Suite a reality. We look forward to cheering them on in their efforts and celebrating their accomplishments.
The initiative is part of a full weekend of activities at the School, which will be celebrating the life and contributions of Dr Geoffrey Chapman, QM’s Head from 1993-2009 who died in July. Old Margaretians who were at the School during his headship have been invited back for a variety of events including a Service of Thanksgiving, the dedication of a Memorial Garden and entertainment from current girls.