News

New Post
May 2010  saw Susan Buckle start her new post as a tutor/facilitator.  Susan brings a host of new skills to the project after working for the Forest of Mercia as a Project Officer, working with at risk students. and as a Family Liason Officer For Staffordshire Council.  Susan will be working with our students who require Individual Learning Programs.

AGA Shop Ketley
On Tuesday 3rd November Heather and Lee presented a cheque to the Project.  The shop has raised £700.00 selling items from their Charity Promotion Stand.

Autumn Fashion Show
The autumn fashion show  back by popular demand was hosted by The Royal Victoria Hotel, Newport on 22nd October featuring new collections from Studio 6a, Earth Collection and Renaissance.  The evening was again a great success raising over £700,00 for the project

Creature Comforts
The Thursday Indi groups are busy making things with wood thanks to volunteer tutor Kevin Tunstall.  To date they have made Bird Boxes and Bug houses which will be available to purchase on our open days - dates to be confirmed.

New Post
Jayne Archer has tutored for the Project over the past three years, during her free time she has worked tirelessly to raise funds, assist with administration and generally raise the profile of the project.  It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jayne to the new job role as Project Development Coordinator.  The job description is varied to say the least but I'm sure she will carry out each duty professionally and with gusto.

Planning Permission
Has been granted for a 32' X12' Portocabin which is now on site and provides us with two offices and staff room.

Water Supply
Seven Trent mains water is now connected to the site Oh to be able to wash up on site and fill kettles from a tap not a bottle was well worth waiting for.

Aga Rayburn Demo Day
Aga Rayburn have adopted The Walled Garden Project as their Charity.  Unfortunately the open day planned for October had to be postponed until the New Year.

Polytunnel
The new 36' X 15' polytunnel erected by staff and students has now been completed and houses some very unusual Chillies and Peppers everyone is showing great interest in the Black Pepper, the proof will be in the eating.

OFSTED
On Tuesday 30th June as part of Southall Schools OFSTED inspection we were visited by one of their representatives.  His feedback was most encouraging and complimentary. He enthused at the safe environment and the provision we can offer our clients.  He thought more schools should be using the project and said mainstream students would also benefit from attending.

BBC Breathing Places Phase 4
On Saturday 4th July our Breathing Place opened for a Family day of fun, Story Teller Anji from Tales 2 Tell accompanied by partner George and his Melodium enthralled adults and children alike with tales of the Lizard in the wood.  Visitors then tackled the Educational Orienteering Trail finding the creatures and stamping their evidence cards, this was a great attraction which we will certainly using again in the future as a fund raising event.  Nigel and Granville were a hit demonstrating how to make a willow hurdle and besom brooms.  each child left clutching a mini sized broom some even sweeping the woodland path.

Awareness Day
Despite the rain 250 people came to enthuse at the newly laid walled garden where flowers, vegetables and a variety of fruit trees were all looking healthy and lush.  Visitors also had the opportunity to watch “Jeff” the Clydesdale being put through his paces by owner Phil Wilson of The Heavy Horse Experience. Project Manager Rozz Crockford said “Staff, students and volunteers have worked extremely hard to ensure the day was a success.  The feedback and comments made by visitors has been very encouraging and I am proud of our achievements”.  Also attending the day were Anna Turner, High Sheriff of Shropshire. The Chairman and Committee members of the Shropshire Horticulture Society. This was a working day at the Project so provided a good opportunity for Schools, Funders, Educational Advisors, Social Services and individuals who may be looking for an alternative educational experience to grasp an insight.  Following the day we have taken new bookings for several individual students,  a new group of adult students and gained two very experienced volunteers.

High Sheriff of Shropshire Visit
Anna Turner the newly appointed High Sheriff came to visit on Wednesday 6th May. Anna enjoyed her tour and was very impressed with the work she saw going on.  she spent time talking to staff, students and volunteers and is looking forward to attending our Awareness day on the 17th July.

New Staff
The Walled Garden Project is pleased to welcome  two new members of staff Emma Wilkes a learning support through Walford and North Shropshire College. Emma will be working with our Adult groups.  Sue Jinks a volunteer Tutor will be teaching Horticulture and related skills.

Fashion Show
A fashion show organised by Jayne Archer to raise funds for the Walled Garden Project was hosted by the Royal Victoria Hotel, Newport  on March 26th 2009. The show featured an array of clothes from Studio 6a, The Earth Collection and Renaissance.  The show was a resounding success raising £1,135.  Watch this space for details of the proposed Autumn show. Click the image  to view the pictures and details of how to purchase.

Wolves Aid
Following funding from Wolves Aid, Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Trustee of Wolves Aid, Vice President of Wolves and former Captain of the England women's Cricket team visited the project to present a wall plaque celebrating their support.  Students who had been excitedly awaiting the chance to meet the Wolverhampton Wanderers representatives on Wednesday 25th February 2009  were not disappointed.  Carl was happy to answer questions and sign autographs for students and staff he was very relaxed and enjoyed learning about the work of the project. Click for Pictures

Disabled Access
During half term week Earthworks completed the installation of a new disabled access to the project site. This will allow wheelchair users and the less ambulant a safer approach from the minibus drop off point to the workshops and gardens.

Electricity Supply
Eon have now installed our electricity supply and all internal appliances are in place ready for the big switch on when students return on Monday 23rd February, no more flasks, no more bonfires......

Heritage Orchard
Fruit trees have been purchased using a grant from the Tree Council and are heeled in on site awaiting a frost free spell to plant them in their permanent positions.  We have chosen Shropshire and Staffordshire varieties of apple and pear.

New Garden
Shrewsbury Horticultural Society have sponsored the new Garden for use by students. The Garden has a woven Willow fence around erected by Riverwoods. Students will have the opportunity to work with vegetables, cut flowers, fruit and learn new and traditional horticultural skills.

New Staff
The Walled Garden Project is pleased to welcome three new members of staff Wesley Crockford, Judy Taylor and Jill Grainger. Their teaching, support and vocational skills have made a huge impact on the students learning.

Boxfresh Organics
Boxfresh organics continue to support the work of the Walled Garden Project by providing a weekly delivery of a selection of organic fruit for students. Director Des Walker presented successful students with certificates for completing their John Muir Discovery awards.

Composting Toilets
The new composting toilets are now completed, much to the relief of students and staff.

Rozz Crockford - Project Development Manager