Saltford C of E Primary School recently welcomed parents, pupils and special guests to the opening of its newly created Secret Garden.
The garden was designed around original ideas from the children and teacher Mr Baker sketched these into a plan. Work began on the garden in the summer holidays with Mr Hayden, husband of teacher Mrs Hayden, playing a key role. Mr Hayden was joined by other volunteers, staff, parents and children and the results are stunning and the garden looks absolutely fantastic.
The garden was officially opened by Cllr Emma Dixon, who is also a parent at the school. Cllr Dixon kindly donated funds to enable the school to purchase a beautifully carved bench and animal sculptures – these were sculpted from the trunk of a lime tree felled during building work at the school by local sculptor Andy O’Neill. The PTA donated the funds to purchase items for the garden, including the wood required to build the stage and pergola, and items the children have created during Arts Week. The stage was designed and built by Mr John Knight.
Also attending the opening ceremony were Rev Daile Wilshire, along with school governors and PTA Committee Members.
Mrs Hayden, who is the Arts and Music Leader at the school, explained, “This project is forming part of our Artsmark Gold award. Everyone has worked very hard on this project and we are looking forward to using the garden for outside learning, performing on the stage and to hold some of our assemblies.”
Headteacher, Miss Dawn Elliott, added, “We were very grateful when the Local Authority agreed to allow the school to create a garden on land adjacent to the school. I hope that children for many years to come will enjoy watching the garden grow and mature.”