Making a hit with 300 youngsters at Amesbury School last Saturday was the world-famous Beatles' record producer, Sir George Martin.

Sir George and his wife were the special guests at the official opening of the school's new performing arts centre.

The celebrity and one of the most influential and prolific record producers in history, who has produced more than 700 classical and pop recordings in a career spanning almost 50 years, made a special visit to open the £350,000 facility.

Welcoming Sir George to the school was headmaster Nigel Taylor, who had taught the great music man's son Giles.

Following in his father's footsteps, Giles too is now an eminent record producer with one of his most recent successes, the CD Pure by the young New Zealand superstar, Hayley Westenra.

Amesbury's pupils ensured that Sir George and some 200 invited guests were given an appropriate musical experience.  The vibrant sounds of the Brazilian samba echoed around the hall, thanks to children from Year 7, and a performance of The Purple People Eater courtesy of youngsters from Year 2.

Jodie Anna Burrage from the reception class had the honour of presenting Lady Martin with flowers, and Charles Allan from Year 8 presented a gift to Sir George before leading the VIPs on a tour of the new arts centre.

Sir George told an audience of more than 500 how important music and performing arts were and how they enriched people's lives.

He also said how fortunate children in the school, aged between three and thirteen, were to have such fantastic facilities.

"Amesbury if a school with a long history, but we benefit from having a modern infrastructure and purpose-built facilities," said the headmaster.

"These facilities provide us with a better balance and enable an outstanding group of teachers to work more effectively with a highly creative group of children."

The performing arts centre, which opened earlier this year, includes a drama studio, recording studio, music technology room and five individual practice rooms.

It is already paying dividends.  The school has recently produced a double CD with funds from the school's Big Band tour to New York last Easter, which were also shared with two cancer charities, The Rosemary Foundation and Macmillan Nurses.

Sir George was so impressed with the school's CD that he offered his services for the official opening ceremony of the arts centre.

Amesbury continues its strong tradition for drama and music with recent choir tours to Germany, Italy and France.

A number of former pupils have also moved on to acting careers, among them James Dreyfus of the blockbuster film Notting Hill and the BBC 1 comedy Thin Blue Line.

Haslemere Herald, 2nd July 2004