Appeal for help to grow good vibes at school

Businesses and the community are being urged to get involved with a project to transform an overgrown patch of land into a haven for school pupils.

The Friends of Sir John Gleed School is the driving force behind the project to clear the area of wasteland and then revitalise it with new planting and seating areas.

It is hoped pupils at the school will then be able to use it as a quiet area away from the hubbub of other areas of the school field, either to relax or study.

Lesa Jeffery, of the Friends group, said: “The school is this town’s school and there has been a lot of negativity surrounding it in the past, but headteacher Will Scott is really turning it around and the now when you walk in the atmosphere is completely different. There’s a really positive vibe about the school now.

“We want to build on that and get the community behind the school to make it something we can all be proud of.”

The Friends have the full support of staff at the school and have secured the help of the Woodland Trust, which will be delivering around 30 saplings in the next couple of weeks, ready for planting out next spring.

But Lesa is hoping volunteers will come forward to begin the work before then, possibly during October half term.

She said: “A farmer has already said he will take away all the weeds and rubbish we clear from the site, but we are going to need a digger and a lot of people to do the work.

“It would be great if people could get behind us and help us make something for the students.

“We would also love to hear from any businesses that can offer us anything for the area when it is completed, such a benches and plants.

“At the moment the patch of land, which is quite a big area, is a real mess, so it will be nice to see progress.”

Pupils are also being encouraged to get involved in the project, with Matt Clark, owner of the town’s Loaded and Alleycatz venues offering incentives such as bowling sessions and admission to the under 18s disco.

The Friends is a group made up of parents and staff and is aimed at improving the school experience for pupils.

Last week the group organised a race night which raised more than £500.

Anyone who is able to help, or who is interested in joining the Friends of the Sir John Gleed, can contact the school on 01775 722484 or email lesajeffery@btinternet.com