Winning the award
In January RPS won the BOC Industrial Environmental Award at the annual NEPIC Awards. The basis of the award entry focused on how RPS reduced their wood waste costs and found a more sustainable option for its recovery. The awards were announced on Friday 17th January at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. As part of winning the award, RPS was presented with a £2,000 cheque to donate to a local school to implement an environmental project. RPS chose Marwood C of E VC Infant School at Great Ayton.
Presenting the cheque
The presentation was held on Thursday 6th February and the whole school was there to receive the £2,000 cheque. The children were extremely happy to be nominated and were excited at the idea of putting the money towards a very worthy project. Dave Lockyer, of BOC, the award sponsor, Stan Higgins of NEPIC and Thomas Hudson of RPS all attended the assembly to present the cheque to the school.
How the money will be spent
Head teacher Mrs Celia Wilson and all of her staff were equally pleased as the pupils and described some of the ideas that they had. The main idea involves building a quiet wildlife garden that the children can have direct access from the playground. The garden will also include a mini-beast exploration table so the children can learn about the insects and wildlife in the local environment.
To quote one of the pupils, “We’ve just got loads of money to make a beautiful garden”.
RPS has been invited back later in the year to see how the money has been used. Thomas Hudson, of RPS, said: “The enthusiasm of the children makes the donation so worthwhile and RPS is excited to return later in the year to see what the school has been up to”.
