£30,000 to equip a new activity centre which will become an outstanding resource for both the school and community.

This will include facilities for learners as well as areas for students who want to study on their own or relax during breaks etc. The total cost of this centre complete with gymnasium and other facilities is estimated at £1.5 million. The school will also increase it’s involvement in the Amateur Rowing Association’s Project Oarsome designed to increase participation in rowing.

Head of PE Eamonn Quinn said, "This is a double opportunity for us to take significant steps forward in terms of sporting activity and both in the gym and on the water with Project Oarsome." He added, "From this we expect the level of sporting excellence at St Thomas More School to take a step up too."

"I write to express my gratitude to the Trustees for their support of our Activity Centre which offers an outstanding school and community resource. I am very aware that we would not be able to complete such projects and serve the community if it wasn’t for the kind and generous contributions of individuals and groups such as The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation." - Alan Lee, Headteacher

St Thomas More School Activity Centre Opening Day 22 October 2009:

The new Activity Centre was opened on 22 October 2009 by Olympic rowing champion Martin Cross; the new building was named in honour of Bishop Peter Doyle and following the grant made by The Connolly Foundation for equipment the new fitness suite was named The Connolly Fitness Suite.

Trustee Michael Callanan commented, 'Projects like St Thomas More are a perfect example of how vision, determination and ambition can make great things happen. We feel this sort of drive is sorely needed in Bedford for other prestige projects and provided that sort of ambition is present, then we will be too.'

Martin Cross said, 'The striking architecture, along with the first class facilities inside, is evidence that there is a clear vision for a rounded and comprehensive education at St Thomas More. It is quite apparent that all involved are committed to making positive steps forward.'

Opening Day, left to right: Martin Cross, Olympic champion; Michael Callanan, Connolly Foundation Trustee; Alan Lee, St Thomas More Headteacher and Stephen O'Brien, Diocese of Northampton.

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