Burgh Primary School in Galashiels is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, marking the milestone with a special community campaign and a creative playground transformation supported by the Hayward Sanderson Trust.
As part of their anniversary celebrations, the school’s Parent Council launched the Club 150 campaign to encourage local businesses, organisations and individuals to get involved in supporting projects that would benefit pupils and the wider school community.
The Hayward Sanderson Trust participated by donating £1,500, which enabled the school to carry out a vibrant playground painting project led by local artist, Coz Harrison.
Coz worked closely with pupils to develop ideas for the designs, engaging them through chalk sketches and classroom artwork sessions. Over the summer, assisted by young volunteers from Galashiels Academy, she brought the pupils’ ideas to life – creating a series of colourful and interactive designs and games including a racetrack, chess board, stars, hopscotch grid and rockets for the children to enjoy.
Dave Scott, Chair of Burgh Parent Council, said: “Everyone at the Burgh is delighted with our new artwork and hugely grateful to the Hayward Sanderson Trust for its generosity and to Coz and the young people for their hard work and imagination.
“Earlier this year we held an anniversary event at Burgh which saw hundreds of past pupils return to share memories and meet old friends. As Gala’s oldest school there is so much history and affection for Burgh, and to have another hugely important part of our town’s past, present and future -the Hayward Sanderson Trust – show its support means a lot to us.
“It’s lovely coming into the school each morning and seeing kids enjoy their playground more. The Trust does so much good in Gala and the wider Borders helping groups like ours achieve goals and improve people’s lives and experiences.”
Rhona Murray, Trustee of the Hayward Sanderson Trust, said the project reflected exactly the kind of local initiative the Trust is proud to support, commented: “At its heart, the Trust exists to help community projects that bring people together and make a lasting difference. The playground artwork has done just that – combining creativity, collaboration and local pride. It’s wonderful to see how the pupils, parents and volunteers have worked side by side to create something that will brighten every school day.”
The Hayward Sanderson Trust welcomes applications from across the Scottish Borders, in particular Galashiels, and encourages people to get in touch about making an application for funding.
