A memorial garden built to commemorate a teacher who died in September 2017 has been opened at West Jesmond Primary School (WJPS).

The garden, a memorial for staff member Deborah Hainsworth, was completed on April 29th.

Assistant headteacher Tom Jones, year five teacher Gemma Jordan and a working group of children collaborated with Pentagon UK to design the garden. Pentagon UK installed the final design. 

Staff, pupils and Friends of WJPS fundraised to pay for the garden. WJPS also received donations from parents and individuals in the local community.

Friends of WJPS also planned a Spring Ball, but it was cancelled due to nationwide school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jones said that they hope to reorganise the event for November.

Jones said: “Our former head of school ran an ultra-marathon. Two staff members and I did the Great North Run to raise funds”. 

“We wanted to create a garden in memory of Mrs Hainsworth and her work in the community, particularly her environmental work,” said Jones. He added that the WJPS grounds are small, but that the school wanted green space to support onsite science and eco-curriculum activities. 

While the infrastructure is complete, Jones said that ideas to make the garden more personal have been suggested by staff, pupils and parents.  The garden will provide a quiet space for children to sit and talk, read and play during break time. Pupils named the space the “Secret Garden”.

“We hope to receive donations of planters, plants, bird boxes and wind chimes to add to the garden. The children will be creating, decorating and placing these in the garden when we return to school”, said Jones. 

Mrs Hainsworth was an important part of the WJPS family for over 20 years. She began as a parent, then became a member of staff. She taught pupils, coordinated the school’s eco group and contributed toward the Eco Schools England Green Flag accreditation.

Mrs Hainsworth ran the school’s radio station and coordinated the talent show. She worked on the Jesmond Community Orchard, Jesmond Community Festival and the Christmas tree competition.