SNOW AGAIN

Despite the bad weather we have been able to carry out some Living Willow work this week. We repaired 3 ten year old arbours that we had built as part of Sefton Living Shade all those years ago. The arbours had not been looked after properly and required some severe pruning to get them back into shape. This was at Hudson Primary School in Maghul, nr Liverpool and the day was cold and snowy!
The second job was at St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, Lidiate nr Liverpool. We made a willow dome with help from the pupils in years 4, 5 & 6. We had to scrape the snow away from the site on the school field but it was a much milder, thawing day and the sun even appeared just as we were completing the dome. The staff and pupils were very happy with their new outdoor 'classroom' and have already recommended us to a couple of other schools in the area.

We still have some free dates in March and early April if any schools are considering have some living willow work.

SCHOOL ENTERPRISE PROJECT

Earlier this week we spent a day with some students from Year Groups 9 and 10 at Furness Academy, Barrow. The project was an 'apprentice' type challenge for the students as part of their Enterprise module. We worked with 2 different groups and showed them some basic willow weaving ideas and suggested ways of marketing the items that they would make. We also suggested ways of supplementing their supplies of material and how to increase the value of handmade items.

The plan is for each group to create and market some willow items in whatever ways they feel to be appropriate. As on the tv programme The Apprentice to group making the most profit wins the contest. The children are excited by this challenge and are already coming up with some interesting ideas.

School Project in Thirsk

We have just got back from working with Sessay C of E Primary School, Thirsk.
We worked outside for 2 days creating willow sculptures with the whole school.
We made a giant sun, a deer and a large bird. The children really enjoyed the time weaving and we will be returning in January to build some living willow structures.

Mowbray School, Bedale

We worked with children at Mowbray School, Bedale today as part of their Summer Activities Scheme. The children all worked together to create this happy sun. They also made a willow fish and star to take home. The sun will be displayed at the school.