In 2019, Seaton Sluice Middle School received a grant from the Ted Weekes Fund of £2,000 to develop a community garden in its school grounds.
Unfortunately, due to lockdown, the project was put on hold; when we opened up again, we decided we would revive the project and combine it with a celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
We held a number of volunteer days where pupils, parents, carers and members of the local community came together to make this happen. Great fun was had by all in building raised beds, specially planted with sensory plants; moving enormous piles of soil supplied by RBB group; and bark chippings supplied by Morgan Sindall; creating an arch and a seat; and adding a bird feeding area.
In addition to this, we had an amazing team from Barclays Bank who gave us a grant of nearly £400 and came to add our stepping stone paths and beautiful planters.
The plan is to continue to develop the garden year on year.
The garden was opened by our Chair of Governors, Susan Dungworth, in a special ceremony which was followed by an afternoon tea in the school hall, with music from local folk group Beeswing.
A wonderrful time was had by all and we hope that our children and members of the local community will be able to enjoy the garden for many years to come.