Member Article

A special day out for Leeds children - thanks to Ilkley property company

Children from Park Spring Primary School in Leeds have enjoyed a very special day out – thanks to the generosity of an Ilkley property company.

Instead of their usual classroom activities, the 60 children from all Park Spring’s classes spent the day at Nell Bank Outdoor Activity Centre in Ilkley.

They tackled a number of team-building challenges, had fun with adventurous games and enjoyed the freedom of the giant climbing and play area.

Jeremy Nolan of Ilkley-based Glentrool Capital Partners, who organised the trip, explained: “We have now been sponsoring the Nell Bank outing since 2009 and Windmill Primary School in Leeds has usually been the beneficiary.

“But as a consequence of us introducing them to Nell Bank they now run their own residential trips to Nell Bank so we decided it was time that we offered the opportunity to another school and choose Park Spring Primary in west Leeds.

“We wanted to make it more of a family occasion this year, so we opened it up to all the children in the school with the exception of reception in the hope that siblings could enjoy the experience together.

Louise Chapman of Park Spring Primary School commented: “The day was a real privilege and a joy to be a part of. The children were so excited and engaged as they explored natural environments and habitats and searched for Mini Beasts and pond life.

“Of the children in my group, only two had ever seen a river and that was because their year group had recently been on a school trip. The staff at Nell Bank were fantastic with the children, and gave them a rich and full educational experience in which the children appeared to grow ten feet taller, such was the boost to their confidence.

“One child who has a very turbulent home life and Special Educational Needs stated very animatedly: ’Miss, some of those other children at school might be good at literacy and writing and Maths and stuff, but here I am the king of finding newts and frogs! Boo yah! “ “I would like to thank Jeremy and Glentrool Asset Management so much for giving our children such a positive experience. It was also lovely to see how siblings worked so well together, something they would not normally get to do in the school day,” said Louise.

Dan Goodey, Manager of Nell Bank, commented: “We were delighted to welcome the children from Park Spring Primary School to Nell Bank for the day. The visit was a great success and the children enjoyed what was for many a completely new experience exploring our beautiful site in the heart of the Wharfedale Valley. “

“At Nell Bank, we look across the River Wharfe to the famous Ilkley Moor and to acres of oak and bluebell woods. We are only a short journey from Leeds city centre, but the contrast is huge, which provides an engaging experience for the children, and one which they clearly enjoyed every minute of, along with their class mates and teachers.

“The children loved the activities we offer, exploring and discovering the natural environment, finding out why it looks the way it does and seeing the wildlife that lives here. The pond dipping and mini-beast hunting were particular favourites, but all the activities were enjoyed and the staff team here at the centre described the children as an absolute pleasure to work with.”

“The support Nell Bank receives from Jeremy Nolan and Glentrool is tremendous, Jeremy has been a great supporter of Nell Bank, helping nearly 600 children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a day exploring the countryside. We can’t thank him enough,” added Mr Goodey.

For further information, please contact Robert Beaumont of Robert Beaumont Associates on 01423 323139 or 07710 127713

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .