The introduction of a portable cabin from Portable Offices on an allotment scheme in West Shields has proved ‘blooming marvellous’. This is the view of Project Manager, Chris Convery who has overseen the development of the project which is designed to provide young and disabled people with horticultural learning opportunities.
Now, nine months on, the cabin is going to receive a ‘makeover’ by the pupils who are keen to reflect the brightness of the inspirational Holder House Allotment Scheme gardening workshops on to the outside of their portable classroom with their own inimitable creative approach.
The start of the makeover coincides with the introduction of a new Thursday evening club aimed at encouraging more young volunteer gardeners to roll up their sleeves and discover more about the joys of the soil.
The earthy spoils of the allotment are already proving an irresistible attraction to many adults with learning difficulties and youngsters looking to develop their skills set.
The cabin classroom provides a warm space for the training courses in horticulture and wood work enabling students to get out of any wet or cold weather and discuss the events of the gardening calendar.
Funded by a grant of £9,000 from the Lottery, the cabin has been transformed into a bright, warm teaching resource.
Chris Convery, commented: “The Holder House Scheme is a pioneering project and we needed some flexible accommodation to develop with our needs, so portable cabins or temporary, modular accommodation is the most appropriate solution.
“The room is used by trainee teachers, who want to gain experience working with people with disabilities and with youngsters and the elderly. It is a versatile space that we can adapt to suit our needs.”
