Sponsors invited to garden party at Woolbrook school to celebrate flower and veg project

THE fruits of a project to grow flowers and vegetables in a school garden were celebrated on Monday by its sponsors.

Teacher Leah Stratton, head of Green Club at St Nicholas Junior School, Woolbrook, invited Ian Barlow from Sidmouth Garden Centre, Joy and Colin Seward and Jane Sutherland-Earl of Sidmouth in Bloom, Sally and Jim Stratton, Humbug gift shop, Paragon Books, Housewares, Sidmouth Ltd., Flo & Us, Nosh Sandwich and Smoothies and Gliddons Toy Shop to the event.

She said: “The project started in March and local businesses were invited to sponsor each of the classes at the school. Each class decided on the vegetables and flowers they wished to grow.”

First was an environmental week with classes creating their raised bed and planting seeds.

“They also made a class scarecrow and wind chime or bird scarer and designed Britain in Bloom gift cards, which were printed and children had the opportunity to purchase them,” said Leah.

Sponsor money of �200 went towards building and filling the raised beds and the seeds, which pupils nurtured in their classes and then planted out during May. Sidmouth Garden Centre supplied �580 worth of raised beds, plants and seeds at less than cost price.

Leah said: “Each veg patch has been successful and the children have loved watching their patch grow.”

Sponsors enjoyed a guided tour from the children and tea and biscuits.

“The afternoon was a great success, showing that community links in Sidmouth are strong,” said Leah, who thanked all those involved in the project, which she hopes will grow and develop over the years.

As a community project the schools endeavours will be included in the judging for the Sidmouth in Bloom and will be visited by the National Judges.