THE Old School has been a hub for a showing of community spirit in Warrington this year.

Bringing volunteers, students and clients together, tucked away in Fairfield Street, an eco-project has been created at the school.

With lots of plant beds, their own produce and safe havens for tiny insects to make their home, it is a project that embodies togetherness – that is something client Richard feels as he has enjoyed making friends and now grows at home too.

Emma Pagent, one of the lead volunteers and a community artist who repurposes waste and turns it into art, said: “You can see them blossom and grow as they are being rewarded by their work.

“It’s so lovely and heart-warming when Richard asks you to see what he’s done and he’s really excited and enthusiastic to show you what he’s grown.

“Moving forward, by having this facility available for the local community we can interact more and more with other charities and groups and get the community more involved.

“When I came here and they started talking about the garden project, my passions just fit hand in hand so we got it off the ground.

“We are really excited about the opportunities that it’s going to open up for the local community.

“It can only get bigger and grow from here. It shows you what we can do with a bit of land and soil and how you can grow your own produce and provide people with skills to take home.”

 

The group by the raised beds

The group by the raised beds

Recycled milk cartons have been used in the project

Recycled milk cartons have been used in the project

 

The project has brought construction students at Warrington and Vale Royal College to The Old School who have built the large raised beds for the community growing scheme and also develop their social skills.

"The project is an excellent opportunity for our bricklaying students to put their vocational skills into practice,” said Faye Hennessey, employment engagement manager at the college.

"The project is an excellent opportunity for our bricklaying students to put their vocational skills into practice.

"Work placement is an excellent way to give learners the insight into the world of work and assisting with the local community.

“The work they are doing is going to have a positive impact on the community.”

Work placement officer Hope Thomas continued: “I do think it’s really important for the students to get industry experience for their chosen career.

“It will be nice for them to come and see it in use and to see what they have helped create.

“For it to go onto their CV as well and UCAS, it puts them in good stead.”

 

A look down the side of The Old School

A look down the side of The Old School

Some more plant beds at the school

Some more plant beds at the school

 

Peter Connor, Great Communities Manager at MacIntyre added: “From our perspective, I like the collaborations that have gone on.

“The guys from the college have come along and I know it’s part of their studies but the work that has gone in has been great. They have been very social with us and developed non-accredited stuff like interacting with someone with a learning disability or interacting with a stranger like myself.

“The guys at MacIntyre get to meet new people and have that sense of purpose and contribute a hell of a lot to the project with passion and energy.

“It provides that sense of togetherness. We have all bonded well and become friends. We have all learnt new skills, even myself I have started gardening at home.”