Laches Wood Outdoor Centre (Coven) officially opened by a Government Minister

Harriot Harman came from London to open
the "new build" at Laches Wood

It was a  gathering of people about 30 in number - a couple of MP’s, several County Councillors and a few representative Headteachers including one from Cheslyn Hay and people with Laches Wood connections. I will email Eric for a copy of his speech as it contained many fascinating facts which are worthy of publication on the website.

Councillor Eric Drinkwater gave a history of Coven
The Den was used by the army!

The plaque is ready but we await Harriot’s train
from London to Stafford

Suited guests killing time in the glorious
spring sunshine outside the new staffroom

Two mobile phone calls received. The ministerial car is lost under Coven railway bridge (the Centre is hard to find) but finally arrives. “SATNAV only gets you as far as the bridge and tells you you have arrived at the Centre!!

Harriot listening to Eric’s speech

Catering Staff at the ready in the new staffroom

Harriot gives a short speech about the value of outdoor education centres and the new ground broken by Laches Wood offering schools a family weekend dimension

The plaque is unveiled

I did speak to Paul, the Head of Centre, and expressed an interest in setting up Cheslyn Hay school with family weekends at the centre in the new block this year.

The centre will cater for families with all ages. Toddlers in nappies to 17 year olds plus adults of whatever age. I think it would be a lovely project  and further cement our home/school partnership as well as providing staff and Cheslyn Hay families with the range of Coven activities normally only experienced by our Y6 cohort every September in tents.

The family weekends will have en suite facilities and we will not be under canvas.There is Government funding for this.
I will do my research and come forward with some proposals.

Martin Tibbetts
Friday, 23 March 2007