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Ilkley restaurant supports local netball star on South African tour

Ilkley’s Clevedon Restaurant is sponsoring a Menston teenager who is representing her school in a South African netball tour this year.

The staff and management at the recently refurbished, all day dining Clevedon Restaurant located at the top of Ben Rhydding Drive, were unanimous in giving their support to 16-year old Grace Cogan of Menston who is one of 24 Bradford Grammar School first team netball players taking part in the two-week senior netball tour to South Africa in July 2020.

Each team member has committed to developing their netball skills over the last seven years, culminating in the trip of a lifetime playing against their counterparts in South Africa – regarded as one of the best nations in the world at netball.

Grace, who has always loved sport and also swims for Bradford Grammar School, plays tennis and is part of the YMCA netball team said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of a local business who are so interested in and supportive of the Bradford Grammar School netball team. It makes such a difference having that level of support and knowing there are people in our local community, apart from family and friends, who believe in our team and who want to contribute to what will be a life changing trip for every one of us!”

Jeanette Hill-Wickham, General Manager of the Clevedon Restaurant, which now offers afternoon teas and fresh, locally sourced seasonal cuisine, said this is the first time the venue has backed a sporting star in the local community.

“We heard about the Bradford Grammar School tour and about a very talented local teenager who is taking part and we knew instantly that we wanted to lend our support,” Jeanette explained.

“Sport is such an essential part of a young person’s development – not only in terms of fitness and skills but also for understanding and practicing teamwork, hard work and stamina. These are all the things that will help Grace’s generation to become the leaders of tomorrow and we are incredibly excited for the life changing trip ahead for Grace and the whole Bradford Grammar School senior netball team!”

The South African tour begins on Saturday 11 July and will include visits to Johannesburg and Capetown. The Clevedon Restaurant is contributing £475 to sponsor Grace’s place on the tour and is hosting a post-tour meal for the players in August.

Simon Hinchcliffe, Bradford Grammar School headmaster added: “Netball, and sport in general at Bradford Grammar School, is thriving and we are sincerely grateful to The Clevedon Restaurant in Ilkley for generously supporting one of our athletes. Links between local businesses and BGS are strong but we are looking to grow them further. Grace is a great netballer and also someone who embraces our school values and gives much back to the community in many different ways.”

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