A MUSIC Centre dedicated to a Haygrove School teacher who spent 40 years at the school as a teacher and assistant headteacher has been opened.

The John Hoare Music Centre was opened by Cllr Ian Dyer, chair of Sedgemoor District Council.

Cllr Dyer, who was a student at the school when it changed from Dr Morgan’s Grammar School to Haygrove, said: “The quality of young people who come out of Haygrove School is exceptional.

“I am delighted to be here in this wonderful new facility and I can see that it is going to bring great benefits to the students and the school.”

The long-awaited a bespoke music centre means students have the benefit of two large music teaching rooms, equipped with Apple Mac IT suites, several practice rooms, which are also used for one-to-one music teaching and a recording studio, complete with a ‘green wall’ for making creative music videos.

Balloons were released by Cllr Dyer and a celebratory cake was cut by Mr Hoare, as part of the formal opening proceedings.

The School Choir sang ‘True Colours’ to the assembled guests, which included Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, local councillors, governors and the Old Morganian Society.

‘The Hardley Fentons’ performed a set on an open air stage in the outdoor performance area.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Mr Hoare, whose wife and daughter accompanied him to the event, spoke of his enormous pride when he was told that the school wanted to name the centre after him.

Bridgwater Mercury:

John Hoare, who the centre is named after, with his wife Amanda

He said: “Music is so important to a school. Children are surrounded by music in their everyday lives and having witnessed the clear enjoyment they get from their music lessons and from performing, it is clear that music makes a significant contribution to the all round experience of education.

“And that is the key to what we aim to achieve here at Haygrove: when our children enjoy school, they enjoy learning. It is an honour to have this new music centre named after me.”