SCHOOL PROJECT EXCITES THE SENSES

Green fingered schoolchildren, parents and staff from Topsham School based in Orchard Way which teaches girls and boys aged 3 - 11 lent a hand to local charity Devon in Sight for the visually impaired to create a brand new sensory garden to mark the official opening of the new Resource Centre at the charity's headquarters in Topsham.

Back Row L-R: Justin Vernon, Martin Pallett Director of Services (DiS) Front Row: Patrick Hurcombe-Dennell, Marilyn Lant, Leo Tapp and Mo the Guide Dog

Five families and trustee Marilyn Lant lay the groundwork and started initial planting for the sensory garden, before pupils from the local school carefully chose plants and flowers which stimulate the senses through scent and sound in the passing wind. The garden is an attracive replacement to the granite which existed previously. All plants, as well as planted tubs and hanging baskets have been kindly donated by local garden centres St. Bridget's Nurseries and Otter Nurseries.

Sustainability Coordinator Justin Vernon says, “The charity approached us to find out how we could get the involved with the launch of the Resource Centre. We were pleased to help this worthy charity particularly as the project fits nicely with our local community projects. The children have been fully involved in the design and choosing the plants which have been generously donated and personally delivered by both St. Bridget’s and Otter Nurseries. It gives the children ownership and get involved with local community projects for different groups and with people with specific needs.  Also a lot of the children walk past the centre on their way to school so in the long term they can continue to see all their hard work develop and grow.”

The project is part of an ongoing school incentive to increase the children's awareness of sustainability issues. The Eco club was set up seven years ago and since then has been involved in numerous local projects including The club pays regular visits to Highfield Farm, a local organic farm in Topsham, where they helped to set up a kitchen garden and bring produce back to the school to cook or sell. The group will also help with the upkeep going forward. Future plans include developing what will initially be a gravel area, into a floral mosaic and building a seating area.

Director of Services, Martin Pallett says, “We are very grateful for the time and energy spared by the children, parents and staff at Topsham school. The sensory garden is going to be a huge asset to the charity by stimulating the senses of those who visit us whilst also giving the building some real kerb appeal. I was delighted that we managed to have it completed in time for the launch of our new resource centre on the 14^th July, when the famous Dad's Army actor Bill Pertwee cut the ribbon marking its official opening.”

www.devonblind.org