Pupils at Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary School in Rossendale are set to benefit from a brand-new outdoor learning space, created through a partnership between Rossendale Men's Shed, Jewson Accrington, and the school community. The project involved volunteers designing, building, and installing bespoke raised planters and potting benches for the school's new polytunnel over several weeks. This space will enable children to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers while learning practical skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural environment.
Generous Timber Donation Enables Project
The project was made possible by the continued support of Mark and the team at Jewson Accrington, whose generous donation of timber helped Rossendale Men's Shed deliver projects that benefit local schools, charities, and community groups across the borough. Project coordinator Kris Corps emphasized the broader impact: "Projects like this remind us exactly why Rossendale Men's Shed exists. Yes, we've built planters and potting benches, but what we've really built is an opportunity. An opportunity for children to get outdoors, learn new skills, work together and experience the pride that comes from growing something with their own hands."
Volunteers' Pride in Giving Back
Corps noted the personal significance for the volunteers: "Our members have taken enormous pride in this project. Many of the lads have faced challenges of their own, so being able to give something back to the next generation means a great deal to every one of us." To mark the completion, pupils presented the volunteers with a cheque as a thank you for their time, dedication, and hard work. The donation will be reinvested directly into Rossendale Men's Shed to fund future community projects.
Community Collaboration Key to Success
Corps added: "When the children presented us with the cheque, it genuinely meant a lot to all of us. It wasn't about the money—it was about knowing the children and staff appreciated what the lads had achieved. Moments like that remind us why we volunteer and why we keep saying yes to projects like this." Based at Haslingden Community Link, Rossendale Men's Shed provides a welcoming, inclusive space where people can learn practical skills, improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and build friendships through meaningful community projects.
Ongoing Impact Across Rossendale
The Newchurch project is one of many initiatives delivered by the Shed recently, supporting schools, charities, and community organisations while providing members with purpose, confidence, and the opportunity to make a real difference. Corps concluded: "Community projects like this don't happen by accident. They happen because local people, schools and businesses believe in working together. We'd like to say a huge thank you to Mark and everyone at Jewson Accrington for their continued generosity and support. Their timber doesn't just help us build planters; it helps us build opportunities for people of all ages. We're also incredibly grateful to everyone at Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary School for welcoming us and allowing our members to play a small part in creating something that the children will hopefully enjoy for many years to come." Rossendale Men's Shed continues to welcome new members, volunteers, community partners, and local businesses who want to make a positive difference across the borough.
