Wirral Life October 2017 | Page 10

IN BRIEF 110 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR AVALON SCHOOL WIRRAL CARE HOME FIRES UP THE BBQ TO BRING SUMMER TO A CLOSE Avalon School in West Kirby has reached a significant milestone as the school celebrates 110 years as an academic establishment. Pupils, parents and staff gathered for a special afternoon event with esteemed guests, the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Colonel Martin GC Amlot OBE OStJ DL and his wife in attendance. Other special guests included former headteachers, Governors and people connected to the school, past and present. The children sang a number of songs from bygone days and also a new school song to tie in with the school’s motto, ‘reaching further, together.” Whilst at the school, the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside helped children bury a time capsule full of items from 2017, celebrating 110 years of Avalon, containing children’s poems and stories. He also unveiled a mosaic which has been created by every current child and staff member and is now placed near the main entrance of the school for everyone to enjoy. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea and 110 Birthday cake whilst reminiscing and sharing stories about Avalon and it’s past. The school first opened its doors to its first 8 pupils in 1907 from a detached home in Townfield Road, West Kirby. As numbers increased, the school moved to Grosvenor Road in 1925 and it was here that the school acquired the name ‘Avalon’. Further expansion of pupil numbers saw the school move into its current premises on Caldy Road in 1931. The school became fully co-educational in 1991 under the direction of headmaster at the time, Christopher Kirch. Mrs Joanna Callaway, Headteacher at Avalon School said, “This is a very special year for the school. Avalon has seen many progressive changes over the years, yet we are proud to be a school which has maintained a strong sense of tradition. Underpinning everything that we do is an understanding and respect for others, a sense of responsibility, the importance of self-belief, and a willingness to support each other. We have further events planned with the children as we continue to celebrate our 110th year as a school which provides an excellent foundation for its pupils.” 10 wirrallife.com Residents, relatives and staff from a Heswall care home bid summer a fond farewell with a special BBQ bash to remember last week. The Hazelwell, a residential, nursing, palliative and respite care home situated in Oldfield Road, decided to make the most of the warm weather with a get-together in its gardens. Summer officially came to an end on Thursday, August 31 according to meteorologists with autumn now upon us. Steve Devenport, experienced head chef at The Hazelwell, cooked up some delicious locally sourced produce including burgers, sausages and chicken accompanied by some delightful summer salads. Steve, who has been at the care home since it opened last July, was keen to ensure none of the residents missed out and catered for all of their nutritional and dietary requirements. The Hazelwell was recently rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission following an unannounced inspection by the independent regulator of all health and social services in England. The home was also named in the Top 20 Recommended Care Homes in the North West for 2017 by leading UK care home website, carehome.co.uk, with a score of 9.9 out of ten. Liza Millington, care home manager at The Hazelwell, said: “The BBQ was a great success with Steve’s fabulous food a big hit! It was a lovely day and fantastic way to say goodbye to summer and hello to Autumn!” For more information about The Hazelwell, contact Liza on 0151 342 9654, email [email protected] or visit www.thehazelwell.com.