FORMER members of the Chetwynde School netball team are reuniting to play matches in memory of their trailblazing coach, mentor and head-teacher Margaret Stones.
Mrs Stones, who died earlier this year, led Chetwynde to many successes at county and national level in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. She retired in 2002 after 23 years in post.
For several years the small Barrow school punched above their weight in the English Schools Netball Association Championship, and were crowned national champions a number of times.
The driving force behind those successes was Mrs Stones - and on Saturday July 13 (1-4pm) many of the players who used to play for her all-conquering teams will take to the netball court again in her honour.
The event doubles up as a fundraiser in aid of the British Heart Foundation, the charity chosen in respectful memory of Ben Stones, Mrs Stones’ beloved youngest son, who sadly died of a heart attack, aged 52.
In a joint statement the former Chetwynde pupils who organised the reunion paid tribute to Mrs Stones, saying: "We each gained so much life experience and confidence through the hours of training and play, to walk off the courts and lead the lives we now do.
Mrs Stones (far right) when a women's cricket development programme visited Chetwynde School (Image: Archive)
"In appreciation of those days and in memory of a great woman, a trailblazing educator and the most stylish netball coach of any team across the UK, we invite you to join the event to watch or play and to help us raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
"We look forward to playing together and remembering our amazing times at Chetwynde, our love of netball and our brilliant opportunities to excel thanks to Mrs Stones, our great school and those who committed themselves to our education."
Following the netball matches, there will be an evening catch-up at The Co-op Sports and Social Club, Dane Avenue, Barrow, and people unable to make the afternoon activities are welcome to attend.
The organisers added: "This is an opportunity to bring together people from our school days to remember good times and the people to helped us along the way.
"Anyone who wants to take to the court is welcome. It is going to be a well-managed pace of netball for all those a little less fit than we once were."
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/chetwynde-charity-netball-event to donate
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