The offical online newsletter of the Parish of St. Brelade, Jersey
By Jeff Hathaway
On a bright but ‘rain-threatened’ spring day, eight Year 10 Les Quennevais School students made a presentation of the Q Garden project in the Fisherman’s Chapel at St. Brelade Parish Church. The small, but auspicious audience included Mike Stentiford MBE, former Royal Horticultural Society judge and ‘Parish in Bloom’ Competition organiser Margaret Holland-Prior, and Les Quennevais School headmaster Mr John Thorpe.
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Each of the eight students impressed with their very professional presentations on a particular aspect of work on the project they had been involved with, explaining in some detail the environmental issues they had to consider, the techniques they had used, and their vision for future developments.
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Project leader and Les Quennevais teacher Mr David Heaven made the introductions and an obviously proud headmaster John Thorpe rounded off the presentations, in which he praised his students for their achievements. Following complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, everyone was invited to walk around the project with the students; Natalie Carro, Sam Diggle, Jade Balsegia, David McCann, Andrew Jameson, Joao Jesus, Christopher Morin and James Aley.
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David Heaven explained: "Q gardens is a Les Quennevais School project which is designed to enable students to improve their transferable skills in readiness for work placement on a vocational related course post 16 years. All of their work is accredited through the Youth Award Scheme. The students have to log all their hours and tasks which are then signed off.
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The students have had to plan and build a nature trail around the perimeter of St. Brelade’s Rectory ensuring that anything that they do is gong to be in harmony with the natural environment. To help them, students have the advice of Digby Ellis-Brecknell an experienced landscaper with a wide depth of knowledge, and also the support of local Senior Youth Worker, Nicky Brown.
The project is currently in its third phase and has also received a lot of support from local organizations to enable it to continue. Past students have successfully entered local competitions for environmental projects". He added: "We are also looking for volunteers and community groups to come forward to use, and help manage the area that the students would like to see as allotments"
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The project will soon have a fresh group of students who will continue the work and further develop the garden and designated allotment area.
14 year Natalie Carro told La Baguette. " We have all had a great time at Q Gardens, and will miss it when we finish working there"
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Anyone wishing to visit Q Gardens, or to volunteer their time and skills to assist the students in their objectives, and particularly with the allotments, should contact David Heaven at Les Quennevais School on 743171 during school hours.
