G F Tomlinson assist Abbey School to Grow Their Own!

Earlier this year The Abbey Catholic Primary School presented a ‘Dragons Den’ event to prominent members of their local community in a bid to obtain funding for an Outdoor Classroom.  Children from the proactive School Council professionally presented their bid which included plans to provide covered seating areas, a wildlife area and a sensory garden in the grounds of the Erdington School

The school received funding from their local Councillors and local construction company, G F Tomlinson, offered to ‘project manage’ the delivery programme for them. G F Tomlinson were assisted by various members of their supply chain, who readily donated their time and expertise. The equipment for the garden, which included garden benches, bird boxes and even a pagoda, were made and donated by EOS Skills Centre in Aston. EOS run training programmes for long term unemployed to help them develop the skills they need to get back into employment.

Kristine Lane, Customer Liaison Officer for G F Tomlinson commented “As a company we take great pride in adding value to the communities within which we work.  The Pupils, Teachers and Parents have all willingly had a hand in creating this garden and the enthusiasm of the children to ‘make it happen’ has been infectious”.

The garden was officially opened on 21st October in a special opening ceremony arranged by the School Council. Guests were given a tour of the school and garden by pupils and Garden Wardens before Councillor Rob Alden cut the red ribbon.  Guests were then invited to join the school for dinner where they were treated to some of the produce from the garden.

"The experience has been a unique opportunity for our children to develop important life skills of communication and working alongside local businesses," said Mr. Kirk, the Deputy Head.