Staff and pupils from Reydon Primary School in Southwold have created an area at the school called “Wentworth Woods” in loving memory of Teaching Assistant, Leanne Wentworth, who sadly passed away last year.
Mrs Wentworth was a passionate environmentalist and the driving force behind many of the school’s eco-activities, including the creation of the ‘Eco Committee’. Following her untimely death last year, the family and school community came together to bring about her vision of a bird hide in the wooded area at the school and honour her memory as a cherished member of the community.
“Wentworth Woods” is a culmination of the generosity and kindness of the local and school community, who donated materials and volunteered their time to help bring Mrs Wentworth’s vision to life. Teachers, pupils and family members created bird boxes, hedgehog houses, bug hotels and natural decorations for the woodland.
Andy Wentworth, Leanne’s husband, said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make my wife’s next mission possible. It wouldn’t have happened without the kindness and generosity of the Reydon Primary school community, Reydon Trust, Duncan & Son builders and my own wonderful family, including my children River and Ivy, who painted the bird hide.”
He added: “I am very grateful to the children and teachers at the school, who created some lovely natural artwork to decorate these woods. I think Leanne would be so pleased and proud of everyone.”
Pupils, teachers and Mrs Wentworth’s family gathered at the school, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, to commemorate the official opening of the woodland on 22nd May. The opening consisted of the whole school singing “A Wonderful World” after which Leanne’s daughter, Ivy Wentworth unveiled the sign which had been designed by some of the children. Finally, the Eco Committee and guests enjoyed tea and cakes which were kindly donated by Lucy Jones.
Martyn Payne, Executive Head of Reydon Primary School said: “The opening of Wentworth Woods has been a truly special occasion and is a very fitting tribute to our friend and colleague Mrs Wentworth. As the founder of the Eco Committee at Reydon Primary, Mrs Wentworth was very passionate about the environment and local surroundings. One of her dreams was to build a bird hide in the wooded area at school and I am so glad we have been able to turn this into a reality. Thank you to everyone whose hard work has made this possible.”
CEO of The Active Learning Trust, Lynsey Holzer said: “Mrs Wentworth was a hugely inspiring and much-loved member of the community at Reydon Primary School. By honouring her with this wonderful tribute, the school now has a very special place for everyone to visit, enjoy and remember her now and in the future. On behalf of The Active Learning Trust, I would like to thank everyone for their support with this project and our thoughts continue to be with Mrs Wentworth’s family and everyone at Reydon Primary School”.
