Grangewood pupils’ new place to play

YOUNGSTERS at a Middlesex school have a colourful new place to play thanks to the generosity of Wooden Spoon London region. A donation of £20,000 from the children’s charity of rugby enabled Grangewood Special School, in Eastcote, to refurbish and enhance its play area.

Enjoying Grangewood School play area

The playground, which has been named Spoon Hill, now provides a safe, colourful and stimulating area for the school’s primary-aged pupils who have severe learning and/or physical difficulties.

Spoon Hill’s development was started by assistant headteacher Caroline Aplin, who is involved with the mini and youth rugby sides at Pinner RFC. She brought her needs to the attention of David Hiles, the Club President and one-time Hon Secretary of Wooden Spoon’s former Middlesex region, who drove the project with the funding agreement of the London region.

The playground complements Spoon Island, which was opened by Lawrence Dallaglio several years ago at the nearby Coteford School. The whole area, including the hill, is covered with bark embedded in a resin that gives it a bouncy feel and allows rain to percolate through. The delight on the children’s faces showed that they would enjoy their new facility.

Saracens and England star Alex Lozowski

The opening party consisted of Sheila and Peter Scott, Rob and Lisa Lozowski, Rachel Zaltzman, Hon Secretary of the London region, and David and Daphne Hiles. Alex Lozowski was unable to attend on the day but was able to visit the project at a later date and see the new area in action.

You can also read all about the opening on committee member, Debbie Knight’s blog. 

For more information about Wooden Spoon’s London region, click here.