Herald Express (Newton & Teign Edition)
Sanctuary space for learning and instilling love of nature
CHILDREN at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School in Brixham, together with local restaurateur Mitch Tonks, have unveiled a new garden and green space thanks to support from the community.
The school, a member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, has named its outdoor space station sanctuary because of its location above the historic Brixham train station.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of local organisations, 365 Sea Swim Challenge CIC and The Cove Discovery Project, along with funding of more than £8,000 from the Devon Environment Foundation.
These organisations are dedicated to fostering green spaces, raising community awareness and prioritising the care and conservation of marine life.
The opening was made even more special by the presence of sea ambassador Tonks.
As the co-founder of Devon Environment Foundation and its environmental grant, Mr Tonks's dedication to preserving the natural world shone through, further highlighting the relationship between community, sustainability and education.
Station sanctuary has revitalised an under-used part of the school grounds and transformed it into a flourishing garden space complete with an outdoor classroom and planters, providing the children with the opportunity to cultivate their own conservation garden.
The green space will also be a tool to support learning across the curriculum, including in science and geography as well as wider topics such as sustainability, encouraging pupils to take on active roles in preserving the environment through hands-on learning.
Duncan Kenny and Chris Thomas, founders of The Cove Discovery Project, have also engaged pupils in educational experiences such as field trips to local beaches and creative workshops.
While the garden's opening marks a significant milestone, there is still a final stage yet to come.
The Cove Discovery Project will present further workshops with the pupils and families in the garden, where they will have the opportunity to grow seeds.
Debbie Hewitt, curriculum lead at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School, said: “The completion of this project fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This garden project represents our school's dedication to fostering not only academic excellence but also a profound sense of environmental responsibility within our pupils.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in making this project.”
Chris Thomas, co-founder of The Cove Discovery Project, who helped with the concept of the garden, added: “It's incredible to see the community come together to create such a beautiful space for learning and growth.
“This project embodies our commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being.”
Mr Tonks said: “It's inspiring to see the community unite to create this space. This garden will serve as a living classroom, fostering a love for nature and instilling lifelong values of conservation amongst its pupils.”
HELLO, and welcome to Thought for the Week. We're often hearing about people who are falsely accused of wrongdoing. One recent example was the high-profile case of the sub-postmasters falsely accused of stealing from the Post Office. Such things are nothing new.
There's an example in Genesis, the first book of the bible. Joseph had been sold as a slave by his older brothers, and taken to Egypt by slave traders. There, he became the trusted servant of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard.
While Potiphar was out, his wife repeatedly tried to get Joseph to sleep with her. Joseph knew this was wrong so he refused. One day, she grabbed hold of his garment after his refusal. He fled. She then told the household, and later her husband: “(Joseph) came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside” (Genesis 39:14-15). Joseph was put in prison, although completely innocent.
Christians likewise are often wrongly accused of doing wrong. A well-known example from history is the Great Fire of Rome, which the Emperor Nero blamed on Christians.
Today, Christians are often accused of “hate crimes”, not because they hate anybody, but because they believe the bible and seek to follow its teaching.
Jesus knew that such accusations would be made against his followers, and he helped them to be prepared for it.
As part of his so-called “sermon on the mount”, he said: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:11).
If you're not yet a Christian (and I pray you soon will be), beware of falsely accusing Christians. If you are a Christian, remember Christ's teaching when you are falsely accused. Your saviour knows all about it – he too was falsely accused.
» David Lamb is a South Devon-based Baptist lay preacher.