NO SITTING ON THE FENCE FOR NORFOLK HOUSE BUILDER

A Norfolk primary school’s brand new Forest School outdoor area is now safe from wandering feet and wayward footballs, after a local house builder stepped in to build a 200 metre fence to separate the newly-planted facility from the school’s playing field.

Hingham Primary School constructed the outdoor learning area in March, planting dozens of trees to create a space where children can learn to engage with each other and develop self-esteem and confidence through exploring, playing and creativity.

However, because the Forest School was adjacent to the school’s playing field, a long fence was needed to keep the new area safe and secure – and Norfolk-based house builder Abel Homes, which is currently building 88 new family homes in Hingham, stepped in to donate and build the wooden fence.

“We knew we needed to separate the new Forest School, but such a long fence was not something which we could afford,” said head teacher Vickie Newrick. 

“Abel Homes had already been in touch to see if they could assist the school with a project, so this was ideal.  We really appreciate what they have done for us – it’s not just a long fence, but it’s a really top quality job.”

Paul LeGrice, managing director of Abel Homes, said, “We always try and get involved in the communities where we are building homes, and there is a special link with Hingham School – the mother of our chairman Tony Abel was a pupil there many years ago.

“We are already seeing children living on our new site in Hingham attending the school, and we are delighted to have been able to help in such a practical way.”

This is not the first time that Abel Homes has worked with Hingham School.  In 2008, when the firm was building new homes at Bell Meadow in the village, it helped the school build an outdoor willow classroom by matching funds raised by the Friends of the School towards its construction.