Vernon House School Play Area.mp4

THREE rugby stars passed on top tips to youngsters when they opened a new school playground on 7th March 2011. Dick Best, former England and British Lions Coach and Honorary President of the Middlesex Region of the Wooden Spoon charity opened the playground at Vernon House School, in Drury Way, Neasden, with Adam Powell, of Saracens, and Tom Rees, of Wasps.

Share Vernon House caters for children between five and 11 with special needs. As well as learning rugby skills from the professionals, pupils also performed a 'thank you' rap, wearing t-shirts specially printed to mark the occasion. Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity which supports disadvantaged children, and Brent Council jointly funded the £98,500 cost of the new playground. Wooden Spoon arranged for the rugby players to drop in during the event.

The school's play area is now double the original size, has a new surface along with a climbing frame, slides and ropes. There is also a quiet area to explore nature. Lucy Addington, headteacher, said: "We are so grateful to Wooden Spoon and Brent Council for supporting this project. It has given the school a playground to be proud of and an opportunity for the whole school community to work together and provide facilities that almost rival those at nearby Wembley Stadium." Gordon Brown, Chairman of Wooden Spoon Middlesex Region, said: "We are very pleased to back this project which fulfils our aims of supporting disadvantaged children. The new play area will be a huge benefit to them."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• rugby
• charity
• wooden
• spoon
• childrens