Great Sankey pupils meet renowned children's author in surprise visit

Years five and six pupils where beyond ecstatic when they arrived at Cheshire Bewilderwood to be greeted by the author, a surprise arranged by teachers at the school. 

Tom authored the three successful Bewilderwood novels and created two tree top adventure sites based off the books – one located in Norfolk and another in Bickley Moss, near Crewe. 

At the start of each new academic year, Great Sankey Primary School takes the whole school on a trip as part of their transition unit, Together We Learn and Grow, which is the school’s motto.  

Tom authored the Bewilderwood children's books (Image: Great Sankey Primary)

Previously, the school has taken them to Delamere Forest, Formby Point, Croxteth Park and Farm, and last year they took over Warrington’s Youth Zone for the day.  

This year it was the turn of Bewilderwood in Whitchurch to host 320 children, plus staff. 

Head of school, Lisa Wilding, said the pupils had been immersed in the authors novels for weeks leading up to the trip. 

“One year five and six class decided to write to the author himself and suggest some ideas and character designs for his next book,” she said. 

“Tom Blofeld was so impressed that he wrote back to the children and a secret phone call with the headteacher and their class teacher was made.” 

The London born author generously arranged a surprise visit to meet all the children when they visited his adventure park and read extracts of his work to the group. 

Tom met years 5 and 6 pupils at the Bewilderwood adventure site in Cheshire (Image: Great Sankey Primary)

“He was really impressed with the ideas given by two pupils, Poppy Chew and Matthew Bannon, and said he was considering using them in his next book,” Lisa added. 

Teacher Sarah Franklin, said: “It was truly a magic moment and Tom inspired so many of the children. The children were in awe, it was an unforgettable day.”