25 April 2005 00:00 When in Sleaford…Central Networks do as the Romans did!
Russell Crowe might have fought in an amphitheatre in Gladiator but Central Networks staff Graham Hurford, Paul Holvey, Ray Simmonds, Sam Billet and Paul Tomlin have actually built one at a school near Sleaford
Unlike Maximus in the Oscar-winning film, children from Chestnut Street Church of England Primary in Ruskington will be enjoying outdoor lessons and events in the specially-constructed venue.
Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, approached the school as part of the company’s environmental and community work to see if it could help. Working alongside head teacher Chris Petz, the team helped construct the amphitheatre from a mound of ground that was left over from some recent building work.
Sleaford Delivery Centre Manager Peter Gregory said: “The team’s worked really hard and we’re delighted that we’ve helped create something really special for the children.
“The guys originally started the work in late 2003 but, as they could only work while the children were on school holidays, the project was only finished this year.
“We recycled old electricity poles to support the structure at the rear of the bank and to support the seats, and old planks to create the benches*. We also built a fence around the back to secure the amphitheatre and make it safer for the children.”
Now the weather is warming up the children will be able to get out in the fresh air and enjoy their lessons in their new open-air classroom.
The amphitheatre can seat over 200 children, which is half the school, and has already been the setting for an event where the school celebrated the official award of its “Healthy School” status.
Headteacher, Chris Petz said: “We’re all thrilled with how it’s turned out. The Central Networks team worked really hard and the children will really enjoy having their lessons outside during the warmer weather.”
The amphitheatre is situated at the bottom of the playing field and, as well as being a venue for lessons, the children can also enjoy eating their packed lunch with their friends on the seats.
Ends
Notes to editors:
•*Turnbull & Co Ltd from Southgate near Sleaford supplied some materials at a discounted rate to Central Networks;
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
For further information and pictures of the amphitheatre contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779 or log on to www.newscast.co.uk
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer.