This month, Wickhambreaux Church of England Primary School in Canterbury held an official opening of its inspiring Wasteland to Wonderland project. Local homebuilder Millwood Designer Homes, who pledged over a thousand pounds to aid the improvements of the school’s previously limited outdoor space, attended the event. Over 150 people attended to celebrate the newly transformed outdoor play areas and environmental wonderland, which was blessed by the Bishop of Dover.
Local parent and organiser of the project, Chloe Brown, was inspired by her six-year-old twin daughters Isobel and Isla, who started in reception last year. Isla, who sometimes felt overwhelmed in a busy playground, was the inspiration which began in April 2018 and was completed by Christmas. Chloe comments: “Wickhambreaux Primary is a beautiful village school, which is over 100-years old and has a fantastic community ethos. When my daughters started, it became a concern for myself and the school where my disabled daughter Isla would play, as she progressed up through the school. My daughters’ classroom backed onto an outside area, which was extremely overgrown and disused, as the school hadn’t had the funds or a gardener to maintain it. That’s where my idea for the project started; I wanted to raise money to create something special for all the children.”
“I started by asking the kids exactly what they wanted, which included a quiet place to read outside, to study the stream which runs along the back of the school and a mini-beasts or science station. We’ve built specific areas for each of these, including an area with a wind turbine and solar panels, so children can learn about generating their own electricity and power, a weather station, astro-turf football pitch and story-telling chair. All is very low maintenance, so the school won’t need to fund the upkeep.”
Chloe continues: “It became a big project within the local community with parents offering up their weekends to help. Millwood has been fantastic in supporting, contributing and donating a lot of money towards the project. They have a plaque which is placed in the gazebo area and had woven bags printed for their development launch, with our logos on them to raise awareness. It’s been fantastic to see all, including companies like Millwood, get so involved in an event which has bought the local community together!”
Chloe concludes: “It’s been extremely successful with over £21,000 raised. The students love it and spend their lunchtimes outside reading and playing. I’ve achieved what I wanted by increasing the school’s useable outdoor space by over a third and completely transforming the children’s learning experience by providing a creative place for every child to enjoy and be happy!”
Philip Brown, Sales Director at Millwood Designer Homes, comments: “As soon as we heard about the Wickhambreaux Wasteland to Wonderland Project, we were keen to get involved. At Millwood, we are passionate about helping local schools and communities and Chloe’s idea really inspired us. We were delighted to attend the official opening, to celebrate the fantastic success and see how our donation has already contributed to create a beautiful sensory outdoor play area for current and future pupils. The school is close to our new homes at Polo Field, therefore it is very possible future families and their children may attend and benefit for years to come.”
Less than five miles from Wickhambreaux Primary School, Millwood Designer Homes development Polo Field is an exclusive new collection of three, four and five-bedroom homes, ideal for families. Internally, the homes feature a high specification including fully fitted kitchens with stylish wall and floor units with a host of integrated appliances included and bathrooms and en-suites all feature elegant white suites, with stylish chrome fittings. Homes at Polo Field benefit from larger than average gardens, garages and off-street parking.
Prices at start from £450,000 and Help to Buy is available on selected plots. For more information please visit www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk or call the sales team on 01227 490227.