Now Everyone will Remember thanks to Southern Railway

Terry was the life and blood of the school and is missed by pupils and staff alike. During her 30 years at the school Terry had been a dinner lady, teaching assistant and caretaker. Terry was also recognised by the wider community on the Whyke Estate, an area that until recent years suffered from anti social behaviour. Terry was one of the founding members of the Whyke Community Association.

The school felt that the memory of Terry should live on for both current and future generations. The school chose a piece of land adjacent to the schools playground to be developed into a memorial garden. The team from Southern Railway chose the project as they wished to undertake a team challenge of which would also benefit the local community. Sarah Morrison CSR and Partnership Manager said:

“We wanted to work with Kingsham Primary School to create a memorial garden for Terry because of our shared commitment to working with the local community. Creating the memorial garden gave our team an opportunity to get out of the office, roll our sleeves up and give something back. It was hugely rewarding to see our finished garden being appreciated by the school and knowing that it was a fitting tribute to such a valued community member.”

The team travelled from various offices to come together and complete this challenge. It was a cold and damp day but the team soon got stuck in, digging away the grass area. By lunch time the area had been cleared and the team had also been able to re-lay the grass they had removed in an area of which had been driven over by vehicles during the schools half term.

All warmed up and ready to continue the team proceed in preparing the ground whilst a few of the employee volunteers visited a local nursery to purchase some plants for the garden.  The team arrived back to find the rest of the team busy planting a tree which had been donated by the local funeral directors. The plants were all planted and despite the damp cold weather were still in need of water!

It is planned for a bench and plaque to be positioned to allow pupils, staff and the local community to sit and remember Terry. It is also hoped that future pupils of the school will be able to share in this memorial through planting Spring bulbs, which was an activity Terry undertook through her Gardening Club.