Devon-based construction businesses have come together to help build a new part of Pinhoe Primary School, in memory of one of the school’s students.
An area that had fallen into a state of disrepair has been re-decked and revitalised, enabling it to serve as a remembrance space for students to gather and reflect.
The new space features a beautiful three-tier decking area, a serene flower bed filled with rosemary, lavender, and daffodils, and a bench for quiet reflection. This tranquil space symbolizes remembrance, tranquillity, hope, and renewal - a fitting tribute to the cherished student.
Jen Metcalf, Head of Pinhoe Primary School, said: “We were honoured to be so well supported by our local community to help restore an area of the school that the pupils loved. To combine this with making it a place of remembrance to celebrate a much loved former pupil, who very sadly passed away last December, has made this project even more significant.
"The professionalism and collaboration to create this for us was simply above and beyond expectations. I feel so proud to have been selected to receive such support and I hope that we may have the pleasure of this again in the future. Thank you - it really has made a difference.”
Under the guidance of carpenters from A&M, three apprenticeship carpenters from LiveWest, our Community Engagement team and Vistry Cornwall's Social Value team worked together to project manage the volunteering effort.
Lesley Browne, our Community Connector, said: “We were very happy to collaborate with our partners and support this project. It gave the opportunity for three of our apprentices to build on their knowledge and gain valuable experience and one of our skilled carpenters to provide volunteer work time.
“It was an incredible transformation to be part of which involved lots of hard work from everyone. Without people giving their time, labour and materials this project would not have been possible.
“We are developing a new estate across the road from this school and the improved facilities will not only benefit children attending the school but the existing community.
"We hope the children will enjoy this new area and it can help support the wellbeing of pupils by providing a space to enjoy with friends. I have no doubt that it will be well used and provide valuable recreation and reflection, as well as a learning space.”
Additional support was provided by Southern Timber Co, Pro Bricklayers, Champions Groundworks, Advanced Scaffolding, and CJL Construction, who assisted with material delivery, collection, and any additional materials required.
In addition to the remarkable transformation of the school grounds, the project has brought together members of the community, fostering connections and cooperation between local contractors and providing invaluable experience for apprentices.
The impact of the project will be long-lasting, as Vistry Cornwall plans to visit the school again later in the year to collaborate with students on designing a remembrance plaque to honour their cherished classmate.
Peter Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry Cornwall, said: “This was such a moving project to be involved in and we wanted to play a small role in helping the school and its students to have a new area in which they could reflect and remember their beloved classmate. We’d also like to thank the other partners involved for their contributions as well as Pinhoe Primary School.”