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Hampden Gurney Pupils Return

It has been 18 months since the children of Hampden Gurney School were last on site at The Watergardens.  Back then they were witnessing the removal of the fish from the ponds, today the winners of the art competition return to welcome the fish home.

“The site has completely changed since the childrens last visit but we have a surprise for them.  All the winning art work has been on display throughout the contract and this is the first time they will have seen it, so it should be very special”

William McCrimmon
Regional Contract Manager

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The competition winners returned to Watergardens to take part in the restocking of the pools. The fish had been accommodated off site and the children were excited to see them re-introduced under the watchful eye of fish specialist Ian Owen of Aquajoy.

Over 60 sixty fish were introduced in the first batch covering 6 species that were originally removed from the pools. The larger fish were first  aclimatized and the smaller fish placed in the water by the pupils via small fishing nets, each taking time to name the fish individually.

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The competition winners brought along their winning entries and were amazed to see their pictures transferred onto big banners that had adorned the site for the duration of the project bringing colour and a sense of community to the project.

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The children were joined by Staff and Governors of the school to watch proceedings and learn about the fish…

Even class teacher Mr Middleton wanted to get in on the act, naming his fish “Gurney” after the school!

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“The guys at Makers have been fantastic and inviting the children to take part is really exciting….its an invaluable experience and we are delighted we could be part of this… Simon and his team can be really proud of the transformation and impact they have had on our children. To give back to OUR community is very special to us and is unusual in this day and age, we wish them every success”.

Governors of Hampden Gurney School.

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The competition was run with Makers and the School to produce a picture that captured the Watergardens. Children aged 5 & 6 from the school visited the site and entered the competition.  The winners chosen by teachers and Makers Staff returned as part of their prize to name and release fish back into the pools and learn more about the fish.

Winning artwork 3Local children display their winning pictures and pose next to their banners, Arthur couldn’t make the day so Site manager Micky Ling stepped in to display his favourite picture.

“It’s been an absolutely brilliant day.  The kids have been fantastic, excited and fully involved.  It’s been fascinating and like me I’m sure they have learned a lot”.

Micky Ling, Site Manager

Winning artwork 4“The Water Gardens was an exhilarating and challenging scheme which involved several aspects of landscape architecture, from waterproofing, water management, SUDS, soil science, ecology to paving design. Makers’ team, led daily on site by Michael Ling, provided the necessary proactive and creative approach to make this scheme a success.’…

Christina Refolo, Landscape Architect, Refolo Landscapes Architects Limited.

 

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“Days like this don’t come along that often and seeing the change in the children in 18 months is incredible… when they saw their pictures they all ran to them and even their parents were excited…

The children have been amazing and have contributed to the project, it has capped off what has been a truly remarkable project and I am delighted we asked Hampden Gurney School to be part of it… they have been tremendous”.

Simon Lamb
Managing Director, Makers

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