Wealden chairman explores Forest

Wednesday, 30 March 2022 21:26

By Lee Everest @laeverest

It was during a School visit

Collecting firewood, building a camp fire and creating bird feeders were on the timetable for Wealden District Council chairman Councillor Ron Reed during a recent visit to All Saints’ and St Richard’s Church of England Primary School.

Councillor Reed was joined by Councillor Bob Bowdler, who represents the ward of Horam and Punnetts Town, and they were welcomed by John Barnes, the head of school at the establishment in Old Heathfield.

The two were given a tour, met pupils and spent time in the Forest School where all pupils are offered regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. The pupils also grow their own vegetables.

Councillor Reed, who presented pupils with their very own Wealden Chair Bear cuddly toy, said, “It’s always wonderful to visit schools across Wealden and I would like to thank Mr Barnes for a very interesting and informative tour.

“It was lovely to meet the pupils and see all their work and I particularly enjoyed seeing everyone enjoying themselves in the school’s Forest School.”

To find out more about the chairman or vice-chairman and to invite them to an event, you can complete an online engagement form at https://www.wealden.gov.uk/councillors-and-committees/chairman-of-the-council/ or contact the democratic services manager, Wendy Newton May, via email at wendy.newton-may@wealden.gov.uk

Councillors Ron Reed and Bob Bowdler are pictured with pupils and head teacher John Barnes.