MEMBERS of Dodford First School’s parent community and family volunteers joined forces last Friday to transform the school’s garden and outdoor areas.
Despite the poor weather, the volunteers’ high spirits were not dampened and they soldiered on through the downpours.
Among the tasks undertaken were weeding, rebuilding of walkways and benches, planting of shrubs and flowers, clearing the pond of debris, tidying the greenhouse and clearing a new site intended for further outdoor exploration and learning opportunities.
Emma Currier, the chair of the Dodford Parent’s Association, planned and organised the day and, along with support from other parents, some amazing results were achieved
Local companies have been involved in supplying and discounting materials and making donations and the school wants to say a big thank you to all of them.
Staff from Broad Street DIY in Bromsgrove came along to the school to help measure up for materials and then delivered them, along with some donations to the school.
Several firms donated cash towards a bench of reflection which will be the focal point of a Garden of Hope. The idea – generated by the children’s charity Winston’s Wish – provides a place where pupils who have been bereaved or are facing trauma in their lives or need a quiet space can go and relax and enjoy the beauty of nature whilst also carrying out gardening activities.
The firms involved in the area were Plain Janes Housekeeping Services, Bromsgrove Body Repairs, Battlefield Farm and NJC Financial Management Services.
JG Garden and Plant Supplies of Atherstone also provided the school with a cherry tree for the Garden of Hope at a discounted price, along with seeds, herbs and labels for free.
The project will be ongoing, including further work on the pond and playhouses once the weather improves.
