Colwal Rotary have been working with Colwall Primary School to investigate the design and funding of an Outdoor Classroom for pupils at the school. As a result of the search for funds we have been successful in helping the school attract funding from GWR. Below is their press release.
Further funds are required and donations are welcomed at justgiving.com/campaign/Colwall-Outdoor-Classroom
Great Western Railway is giving £10,000 to a project to build a train-themed outdoor classroom at a primary school in Herefordshire.
The GWR Outdoor Classroom at Colwall Primary School will include an information board describing the history of the railway line between Hereford and London, a special feature constructed from railway sleepers listing all the main stations, and a Friendship Train.
As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
Colwall Rotary is teaming up with the school to lead the project, providing expertise through members and free labour during construction.
Rotary club secretary Peter Key said:
“Colwall is unique in Herefordshire in being the only village with a main line service to London Paddington served by GWR and the history and development of the village has been strongly influenced by the construction of the line linking Hereford and the capital. The Outdoor Classroom will enable all pupils to benefit from learning in a different environment, as advocated by OFSTED, educating them about the history and significance of the railway to the community through design features such as the information board and railway sleeper feature.”
GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:
“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.
“This is a really exciting project which celebrates Colwall’s special connection to the railway and will ensure the history of the GWR is celebrated for generations to come.”
The photos with this news release are of a similar classroom at Burlish, near Kidderminster.