Partner Article

School pupils go back to the future

In a week containing the date on which - in the second Back to the Future blockbuster - Marty McFly and Doc Brown arrived in the future, a County Durham school looked forwards and backwards to celebrate its 40th anniversary in style.

After linking up with The Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC), Bowburn Junior School pupils took part in a special event which marks a new chapter for the village.

Star pupils for the week – Jay Rafftree (7), Matthew Scott (8), Katie Holmer (9) and Lyla Pugh (10) – visited The Meadows to help Durham County Councillor, Neil Foster, officially open the show home.

DVRC, a partnership between Durham County Council and developer Keepmoat, is making a £5 million investment in the Bowburn, building 40 two, three and four bedroomed homes – including some bungalows - for sale and for rent, on the site to the south of Oakfield Crescent.

Also with the developer’s support, the school is about to embark on a photography project that will produce a snap shot of how the youngsters see their community today. DVRC has provided disposable cameras for the initiative, the results of which will go on public display.

And an event first staged in 1975 will be recreated with the planting of a commemorative tree by former pupils – Peter Bell, 46 and Gary Parnaby, 48, with their children – now also pupils at the school - Lucy and Scott, both seven.

When the school opened Peter and Gary planted a tree which, unfortunately needed to be removed to allow the development of The Meadows to go ahead.

Said Head teacher, Mrs Jackie Glass: “This photography project is a great way to get pupils to think about their village and what aspects of it are special to them. Pupils have enjoyed the school’s 40th birthday celebrations and finding out about the history of the school, as well as considering the changing face of the village.”

Over the past 18 years DVRC has delivered a £100 million plus, housing-led regeneration initiative in the county. The homes sold have attracted local buyers – around 55% from within 10 miles - keeping communities together. However new residents have also been attracted to old villages, providing a kick start to local economies.

The Meadows is the sixth Bowburn site in the programme and Cllr. Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and DVRC chair, said: “It is fantastic that the children are being encouraged to look back on the heritage of their community but also to look ahead and see the bright future we’re helping to build for Bowburn.

“As well as creating jobs and investing in the local economy we’re delighted to see modern, energy efficient and affordable homes being provided in the village.”

For more information about The Meadows visit www.keepmoat.com and search Bowburn.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .