Visit to Long Toft Primary School to open the wildlife garden

Gervase Phinn admires the lovely display which the staff at Long Toft Primary School, Stainforth, Doncaster have created.

Gervase talks to the children, tells them some tales of his family and reads a few favourite poems.

Gervase with Headteacher of Long Toft Primary, Alison Rahman

Gervase is presented with a poetry book written by the children.

Gervase meets up with an ex-pupil, Susan Kingham, who has brought and old exercise book. She was in Gervase's class at Woodfield School in the 80's. Gervase is pleased to see there are lots of 'excellents' in the book. Susan was obviously a star pupil!

Loking on are Stainforth Mayor John Thompson and Mayoress Carmen Thompson.

Wildlife Garden Opening

Gervase cutting the ribbon with 2 young pupils at the school.

Gervase walks around the wildlife garden with some of the children from Long Toft School.

The garden has been developed with the help and encouragement of Groundworks, Dearne Valley. Suzy Brookes and Simon Fagg (Landscape Architect) attended the opening ceremony.

"An innovatively designed wildlife garden has been created within the grounds of Long Toft Primary School, which will broaden the scope of environmental learning for pupils of the school, and will be open to other young people in Stainforth on controlled occasions. This large site has several features including an amphitheatre, wetland & wildlife garden area and a maze.

Long Toft Primary School is delighted to have the presence of author Gervase Phinn to officially open the Wildlife Garden. He will also be reading poetry with students at 1.30 p.m., before the official opening of the site at 2.00 p.m.

Long Toft Primary School has been working in partnership with Groundwork Dearne Valley to progress this exciting project. Funding was secured through Long Toft Primary School and Objective One by Groundwork Dearne Valley."

Gervase signing books for some of his young fans.

photos copyright 2008 Richard Benson www.danum-photos.co.uk