Life’s one big adventure at St Julian’s School, Wellow, with the opening of a new adventure playground on site.
Two years ago, teachers approached the PTA, as the existing adventure playground was showing signs of wear and tear. Built by Big Wood Play Systems of Radstock, it had lasted an amazing 20 years in constant use, so there was no hesitation in approaching the same firm to build the replacement. They ran a competition to involve the children so their designs could be incorporated into the final plan.
Meanwhile, there was a massive fundraising effort going on!
St Julian’s PTA already holds regular events such as a Duck Race, Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Wreath making. They added cake sales, a clothes swap and a ceramics workshop to raise funds, but one event in particular boosted the total.
Kelly Rotherham, PTA chair, explained, “Some of our parents are also involved with the annual Wellow Way 10k run. They suggested a kids’ colour run to go alongside it. It was a huge success, raising over £1,000. It’s now a fixture and we’re hoping to top that this year!”
All in all, the PTA raised over £20,000 towards the total cost of £45,000.
At the opening, local artist Emma Rose, whose daughters attended the school, cut the ribbon, and pupils were keen to get going on the play equipment straight away.
Head Teacher Isobel Mills commented, “The impact for the children has been immediate, with space to run, jump, climb and be imaginative. It’s a great space for outdoor learning and enables us to run a forest school.”
This year’s Wellow Way 5k and 10K run, with kids’ colour run, is on Sunday 6th April. See https://www.eventcreate.com/e/ww10k and save the date!
