We were delighted to have a visit from the Mayor of Richmond who had a tour of the school and kindly answered some questions from our Journalists.

Josi asked:

What input have you had into the Rugby World Cup?

Mr Mayor answered – I have been on the Planning Committee which had to give permission for the Fan Zone in Old Deer Park and other places. We also gave permission for some of the licensed activities around the tournament and were consulted about the A316 closures before, during and after the games at the Stadium.

Rahil asked:

What did you think of the Opening Ceremony and what was your favourite part?

Mr Mayor answered –  I was sitting just above the tunnel where the players run out onto the field and behind me were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Prime Minister and Boris Johnson the Mayor of London. My favourite part of the Ceremony was when the Pillars lifted in the middle of the pitch, but I also enjoyed being part of the audience of 82,015 spectators all singing together. This was very moving. I was also very lucky to be on the boat when the World Cup went down the Thames, I was sitting next to the England Ladies Rugby Captain. They are the current World Champions.

Lena asked:

After the Rugby World Cup has finished, what will be the legacy for this area?

Mr Mayor answered – There are 2 sides to the legacy. The legacy for the sport of rugby which has introduced 400 more schools to the sport and the legacy for local projects which the RFU is sponsoring. Before the RWC started, there had been the rebuilding of Whitton Station, Whitton High Street and Twickenham High Street. The RFU has also given £10,000 to update Murray Park. Tourism will also get a boost as Twickenham is introduced to other people.

Thank you to the Mayor for coming to our school and talking to our Journalists.

We were delighted to have a visit from the Mayor of Richmond who had a tour of the school and kindly answered some questions from our Journalists.

Rai-Rai asked:

Why did you decide to become a Councillor and how were you chosen to be Mayor of Richmond? I didn’t exactly choose to be a Councillor.

Mr Mayor answered – I just wanted to help locally in some way. I went to a few meetings … and 10 years later I am still a Councillor. Every May, the 54 Councillors in Richmond Borough vote for who they would want to be Mayor.

Danny asked:

Are you excited that Twickenham is hosting the Rugby World Cup and if so, why?

Mr Mayor answered –  I am tremendously excited. Twickenham Stadium opened in 1910 and has always been the pinnacle of England’s Rugby and Twickenham has always been centred round this sport. Wembley for soccer, Wimbledon for tennis and Twickenham for rugby.

Akul asked:

Are you interested in the sport of rugby and why?

Mr Mayor answered – I am not a regular at the stadium, but I used to play rugby at school and played in the position of Prop. I’ve definitely become more interested again since moving to Twickenham 25 years ago.

Part 2 of the Interview coming soon.