PHOTO: Risedale pupils with the Garrison Sergeant Major, Garrison Commander, Chris Morgan from the Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre, Risedale Service Pupil Manager, Dr Ellis and Mrs Deighton (HLTA).

Pupils from Risedale School recently embarked on a rewarding journey of discovery, honing their creativity and practical skills at the Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre in Newton Aycliffe through their participation in a special Woodcraft Project.

The initiative, which saw pupils engaging in weekly sessions, proved to be an overwhelming success, leaving a lasting positive impact on all involved. The Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre shared their delight on Facebook, stating, “It was an absolute pleasure working with the students. They were well-behaved and all enthusiastic to learn new skills. They all had a great deal of talent and good imagination. The students also met members from Blind Veterans UK, who had a woodworking background, and those veterans showed that a disability does not stop you from having a go. The students were a credit to the school.”

This sentiment was echoed by Risedale staff member, Mrs Deighton (HLTA), who organised and accompanied the pupils to the project each week. She enthusiastically reported: “Our pupils had a fantastic time learning new skills from Chris Morgan and his team at the Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre. Their weekly sessions were varied, engaging, productive and fun. Every pupil made a number of models, using scroll saws, hand carving and ultimately wood turning, a fantastic (and very useful) wooden pen. These pathfinders have ensured that there is now a superb programme in place for future groups.”

The success of the Woodcraft Project is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Risedale School and external organisations. Mrs Deighton extended a heartfelt thank you to Kirk Lester from the Army Welfare Service (AWS), acknowledging their crucial role in making such enriching outside learning opportunities a reality for the pupils.

This initiative not only provided the Risedale pupils with practical skills and creative outlets but also instilled valuable life lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and the power of community. The positive feedback from both the Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre and the school highlights the significant impact of such hands-on learning experiences, paving the way for future Risedale pupils to benefit from this superb programme.

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