Google-eyed over Austen wing

Annabel Williams • Published 8 Oct 2009 06:00 0 Comments

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A NEW chapter has started with the official opening of a building named after a well-loved literary alumnus.

The ribbon was cut and a foundation stone unveiled at the Jane Austen Wing at The Abbey School on Friday, the culmination years of planning and building work.

Doing the honours was Jessica Powell, Google's director of communications and public affairs for southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Guests included Reading Mayor Cllr Fred Pugh and Mayoress Jean, who are former Abbey parents, Reading East MP Rob Wilson and governors, staff, architects and builders.

Ms Powell, who talked to pupils about the opportunities ICT brings, said she was excited by the potential the school's youngsters had to invent the next Google or "the thing that none of us can even imagine right now".

Headteacher Barbara Stanley paid homage to Jane Austen, who attended what was then Reading Ladies' Boarding School based at the Abbey Gateway in Reading town centre in 1785.

Mrs Stanley said Austen "pushed the boundaries of what was considered normal for young women of her era" and that the naming of the building fulfilled the intention of headteacher Miss Musson and governors in 1926 to honour her name.

The three-storey Jane Austen Wing provides a refurbished entrance and classrooms for Years 8 and 9 with dedicated areas for classics, history and art.

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 08 Oct 09

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