Zandra Rhodes Building Ceremony
World famous fashion designer Zandra Rhodes was the special guest of honour at Strood Academy’s official “Turning of the sod” ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the new academy building. Zandra brought her unique sense of style and humour to the event which was attended by representatives from BAM Construction, Medway council, University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and MP Mark Reckless.
Zandra Rhodes is the Chancellor for the (UCA) which is the lead sponsor of the Academy and her visit further strengthened the strong links that have been developed by both students and staff at both schools. At the official reception she met and spoke with students from the academy and her personal warmth made her a big hit with them.
Luke Taylor, year 9, said: “It was really enjoyable being part of something so different and important. Meeting and talking to the people who are going to build the academy was interesting. Zandra Rhodes was very nice and was joking with builders that they will need to make sure they complete the work on time. It is the first time I have talked to someone famous but she was very down to earth”.
Michael Bateman, year 8, said: “The ceremony was really exciting and I felt proud to part of it. Zandra Rhodes was very nice and I liked her pink hair”.
Zandra wore a specially commissioned pink hard and tabard and used a pink spade to turn the first sodn and there were several speeches and lots of laughter as the launch of this exciting project was celebrated.
"We feel honoured and excited to welcome Zandra Rhodes to the academy to officially mark the beginning of this exciting development," said Principal Richard Hart.
"Her success is an inspirational example for all our pupils at the academy, making her the ideal person to celebrate this important milestone."
Richard Hart, Principal, and Zandra Rhodes inspect a model of the new building:
Students from our Academy Council were pleased to join the occasion:
A light moment during the speeches:
Posing for the cameras:
