The Hill Primary Academy in Thurnscoe has had its dilapidated and overgrown school quad renovated over the summer.
The area, in the middle of the school, has been transformed to create neat paved pathways, flower beds, wooden benches and a pond. What was once an inaccessible and neglected area of the school has now become an engaging and inspiring environment that pupils, present and future, can enjoy.
The Hill was very grateful to be able to fund the renovation work with a legacy in the will of a former pupil, as well as with gifts and support from local businesses and charities.
The story of former Hill pupil John Anthony Richardson, who attended the school many years ago, leaving over £8,000 to the school was picked up by the BBC, with the story being featured on Look North.
Gifts received for The Hill’s quad project were:
- Old pupil John Richardson left £8,049 in his will.
- Balmoral Tanks, local business in Thurnscoe, donated £2,000
- Free Masons (West Riding masonic charities limited) gave £2,500
- Jimmy Wallace Scrap Metal, in the village, donated £600 which paid for fencing around the pond.
Principal Kirsten Middleton said: “Thanks to John’s generosity, alongside donations from local businesses and the hard work of those involved in the project, what was once an inaccessible and neglected space has been transformed into a vibrant, engaging and inspiring environment.
“The quad will now create opportunities for learning, wellbeing, creativity and environmental awareness for generations of The Hill children to come, providing a lasting legacy that reflects John’s commitment to the school he once attended.
“The redevelopment also celebrates the heritage of our local community. The Hill Academy sits at the heart of a proud former mining community, and that heritage remains important to us today. All of the bricks used throughout the quad have been reclaimed and refurbished from local pits, ensuring that the area’s history forms part of its future.”
