Party in the Forest

1:57pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Lindale Primary School has come up with an innovative way of raising funds for an alternative school curriculum project. They are trying to ensure that students are able to take part in the Forest School Initiative.

Lindale School are keen to continue participation in the Forest Schools project but to do they need to raise funds to pay for it. The head, Mrs Angie Leonard has been working with the Chair of the PTA and other PTA members to try and come up with a way of raising money but also enabling parents to get together to have a community occasion.

Derek Allison Chair of the PTA said "We came up with the idea of a summer dance; we thought it would be great to be able to offer an event just for the adults to be able to relax and have a great evening socialising". The date of the party is Saturday 7th June 2008.

Forest School's philosophy is to encourage and inspire children of any age to develop their understanding of the world and their environment through mastering tasks within a woodland environment. Forest schools have shown to raise children's self esteem, social communication skills and help children work confidently individually, or within a team and at the same time understanding and appreciating their natural environment.

Castle Head Field Centre in Lindale is able to offer the Forest School curriculum to interested schools. They deliver a wide range of outdoor activities that encourage children to participate in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each child has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These help children achieve their full potential and instil a desire for life long learning.

Derek continued "Castlehead have offered the venue free of charge so it has enabled us to look at putting together something pretty special for the food and entertainment. There is an on site licensed bar, which will offer a complimentary drink in the reception room on arrival and then guests will be offered a locally sourced and made sumptuous buffet. Entertainment will be provided from a terrific rock and pop band called Catch 22' and an eminent North West DJ. There will also to be a Grand Raffle with great prizes".

Castle Head is an impressive Georgian house built by John Wilkinson, the Iron Master, inside it has the most wonderful ambience that will make dressing up for the evening really worth while. It is surrounded and enhanced by a Victorian verandah that will offer the opportunity to sit or wander round in the summers balmy evening (keep your fingers crossed for the weather). It is surrounded by its 20 hectares of grounds; Castle Head presents a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

All funds raised will go to Lindale Church of England School and specifically towards IT equipment and of the Development of Forest School programme.

If you would like more details the tickets are available from Lindale Post Office or enquiries can be directed to 015395 34288.

"While we are here we may as well dance!"

by Debbie Bond