The King’s School’s Under-14 Netball Team

by Caroline Johnson

The King’s School’s under-14 netball team have come a superb fourth in the National Schools’ Netball Finals.

Held at the picturesque Oundle School, the event brought together the UK’s county and regional champions, and just qualifying alone ranked King’s in the top 18 schools nationwide. However, the King’s hot shots were to prove much better than that.

Captained by Lola Bianchi, (pictured with the netball) the quad started in top form, winning their group with 7 wins out of 8. However, after a hard fought semi-final in which neither team gave an inch, King’s lost in extra time 12 - 13 to Birkhamstead, (the eventual winners). Coach Melanie Stephens said:

“Despite some determined defence and outstanding court transition, we were only narrowly beaten.”

It did, however, cap another outstanding season with King’s first winning the Cheshire County Tournament with a clean sweep of six wins against The Grange,

Fallibroome, Wilmslow, Bridgewater, King’s Chester and Bishop Heber. Their game was decorated by some fantastic shooting from Rose McNulty and Lottie Baxter with slick assisting from Lola Bianchi, Tilly Collins and Grace Taylor. The demon defence of Minnie Farooq and Hattie Usher negated numerous offensive plays from all opposition, to ensure the goal difference was positive.

They then played in the county rounds of The National Schools’ Tournament on their home courts, winning all 6 matches, including the final against Bridgewater School. They went up to Stonyhurst for the North West regional round of National Schools. There they faced Birkenhead, St Michael’s School and Cheadle Hulme in the pool round, winning 2 out of the 3 matches, ensuring they went into the semi-finals, against Withington School. The girls’ inner belief and clinical play ensured the win and saw them into the finals, which ensured a place at the blue ribbon National Schools’ finals. Mel Stephens concluded:“The girls should be very proud of their season. It bodes well for the future with, I’m sure, a lot more success to follow.”

Earlier this year, King’s U14 boys won the National School’s Rugby tournament, and King’s pupils also won National Championships this summer in Dressage and Trampolining.

Caroline Charles is proud to be in Wilmslow.

As an award-winning designer, she has spent six decades making luxury designs that turn heads on and off the catwalk.

Whether it’s a dress, skirt, jacket, trousers or eyecatching accessories, she seamlessly mixes classic with modern to create timeless pieces.

Over the years Caroline has dressed many celebrity clients Emma Thompson and Helen Mirren to name a few. Diana Princess of Wales became a regular client.

Caroline was one of the first designers to join what would become London Fashion week. She went on to open outlets across the country, including Wilmslow, as well as around the world.Such incredible success didn’t come without a lot of hard work, and Caroline has retained a focus on what customers want.

She identified that Cheshire has a style and market of its own, and she was pleased to open the Wilmslow store in the early 2000s. Caroline said;

“Cheshire has its own style which depends on what people are doing. The three themes are work, travel and going out. People want to look sophisticated and professional for work, and they really dress up for parties and celebrations. They also want to look their best when travelling and staying in top hotels.”

Caroline’s collection is designed and made in London to the highest quality. She feels when something is premium quality and expensive it can last forever, something people can keep and even pass onto future generations.

Caroline loves the fun aspects shown in her collections, she inspires her customers with her fun use of fabrics and trims. Her stores are fun to visit with friendly knowledgeable staff.

In a career that has spanned six decades, she still has continued involvement, which is a testament to her dedication.

As well as changing seasons, Caroline has noticed changing attitudes in the fashion industry:

“The industry is heading towards quality more than quantity. Customers are looking for quality when buying clothes, they also want something different that stands out.”

The Wilmslow store shows two collections a season, eagerly anticipated by her ever loyal following.

The flagship store is located in Knightsbridge, London carolinecharles.co.uk

The Wilmslow store is situated on Water Lane, among various Luxury retailers

Caroline Charles Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA 01625 530486