Private School News

Harriet’s CD raises hundreds for charity

Polam Hall School student Harriet Wigley-Smith has raised hundreds of pounds for the Butterwick Hospice, by selling a CD showcasing her musical talents.

Harriet, who’s 16 and will be studying for her GCSEs later in the year, recorded songs she’d written herself, as well as some cover versions.

The GCSE music student was given a session in a recording studio as a birthday present from her parents.

The gifted student then decided to sell the CD to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice.

Despite the current economic times, kind-hearted staff and students were prepared to dig deep into their own pockets with 100 CDs sold to the wider Polam Hall School community and in 10 minutes Harriet raised a whopping £317.54.

Harriet said: “I really enjoy my music. I love singing and it was a great opportunity to do something for charity when my parents gave me this great birthday present. Polam Hall is a great school and everyone was so generous in giving whatever they could give to charity.”

Marie Green, Headmistress of Polam Hall School, said: “The efforts by Harriet to raise money for charity were outstanding. Her work demonstrates that at Polam Hall, we offer a fine education and always encourage pupils to do their bit for the wider community. Her music skills are being developed by our exceptional team of staff. Harriet is a superbly talented student, and will take her Music GCSE alongside 9 others later in the year.”

She added, “Whilst we pride ourselves on our fantastic academic results, extra curricular activity is a crucial part of education in the 21st century.”

Harriet has now set up her own MySpace music site and was invited down to a recording studio in London by record label, Relentless Records, a company which heard her music on the website. On her visit, Harriet composed a song with professional songwriter and musician, Neil Athale.

After setting up her MySpace Music website in December 2008, over 10,000 people listened to Harriet’s music in the first month.

Her song recorded with Relentless Records, One Day At A Time, is available on her MySpace website