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Official opening for charity after 60 years in Sheffield
A NATIONAL charity with a mission to help people see the world in a different way has officially put down roots in Sheffield after 60 years.
High-profile guests rubbed shoulders with city students at the launch of the Geographical Association's national headquarters.
David Blunkett MP formally opened the Solly Street offices, while Lord Mayor Coun Alan Law, chief executive David Lambert and MPs Meg Munn and Clive Betts joined the celebrations.
The society has been based at the building since 1997 but decided to hold an official opening after buying the site.
Lydia Jewell and Xue Wang, Year 12 students at King Edward VII School, told an audience at the event how their love of geography won them a place on the UK team at the 2009 National Geographic World Championships in Mexico City.
The teenagers said the visit made them realise how relevant geography is to everyone's lives and why it is important to study it.
David Blunkett said: "Geography is crucial to understanding the world. Sheffield is a classic example of this with its hills, its rivers, the impact of the industrial revolution, the proximity of the Peak District and Sheffield's status as a green city.
"I hope the case for geography will be loud and clear because if we lose it we are losing a great deal. We are making a difference to the way people see the world."
The Geographical Association supports UK geography teachers and has an international reputation for high quality journals, publications and conferences.
It was founded in 1893, has around 6,000 members and has been based in Sheffield since 1950.
Members say buying the headquarters marks a significant point in the history of the association as it officially puts down roots in Sheffield.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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