KIDS TROT OFF TO WHIRLOW HALL FARM COURTESY OF CRYSTAL PEAKS
There was some highly educated wallowing and splashing around in the mud last week, not only for the newly born piglets, but also for 12 pupils from Woodhouse West Primary School (situated at Coisley Hill, Woodhouse, S13) when they donned their wellies and took part in a sponsored ‘480 Club’ residential break to independent charity and 130 acre real working farm, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust - courtesy of Crystal Peaks.
 The Sheffield Shopping Centre has consistently supported the work of Whirlow which offers children an extraordinary opportunity to experience country life and explore the healthy eating/living awareness issues, touch and stroke animals and garner the smells and atmosphere of rural life at first hand. Key Stage One Coordinator and Teacher, Liz Kirkham said, “We had a wonderful time! I took my Year 2, who are 6 to 7 year olds, and they were thrilled to bits. We fed and groomed horses, collected eggs from the chickens, cleaned and cared for the calves and lots, lots more. It sounds simple but for some it will be the first time the children have ever touched or stroked a pony or small animal such as a rabbit or Guinea pig and it’ll be the first time away from home for most of them - so aiding their social and emotional skills making the adventure a very exciting one and developing skill sets.” She added, “As well as increasing the children’s awareness and understanding of farming, sustainability and the environment there is a general benefit which creates tolerance in a gentle and safe surrounding. Because Whirlow is a real working farm it offers children the opportunity to explore vital parts of the beautiful Sheffield countryside, which they wouldn’t normally see – things we adults sometimes take for granted. These residential placements really do help improve communication skills and give a real sense of responsibility when contributing to society as a whole. It is totally interactive and a fantastic opportunity for the children to live, work, play and learn together. I think Whirlow Hall Farm is one of the most valuable resources in Sheffield and the feeling of independence the children get with a true holiday spirit and a bed of their own is absolutely amazing.”
19th July 2007
Serial No. 51063 Editors Note:“The 480 Club’” exists to create an association with 480 companies or individuals to donate £480 to sponsor children and their carers for two days occupancy at Whirlow Hall Farm. The partnership is to entice local school’s that wouldn’t normally use the resource - perhaps due to logistics or funding issues and learn about sustainability, farming and the environment. Photograph Information:left to right:Woodhouse West Primary School pupils Molly Little and Meagan Storey with friend! for further information, please call:
Darryl Dawson
t: 01302 759696
m: 07973 676942
e:
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