Parkfield School . .

Today has been a disappointing day for a lot of parents and students in Bournemouth. Parkfield school. a free school was due to open in September this year offering a all through education from ages 4- 18,  has been differed until next year. The really really annoying thing about it is, it was because the Department of Education let us down. They failed to find us a suitable site in the time required. Or more correctly failed to contact Bournemouth Borough council to find out about planning regulations on our proffered site.

This school was a dream dreamed up by forward thinking parents, with the get up and go to move their dream forward, for a  co-educational free school offering a fresh approach and choice that allows pupils to discover learning, unlock their potential, find their place in their community and play their part in society. It was to be an answer to all of our school prays!  

The Governing Body were not being paid. For 18 months a group of parents met on a Monday night to discuss the project, plan and then allocate tasks. All this was done in their own time. They gave up their weekends to go to Free School seminars, to distribute leaflets. They paid out of their own pocket the printing, the paper, the time. They recruited the headmaster, sat on interview boards, again giving their time for free. The Head was in place. The governing Board was in Place. The teachers were all recruited. The students had been notified.  The Dream was alive!

The school has been backed by the community. Parents were very, very excited about how lucky we were in Bournemouth and Poole to have this opportunity. They have been meeting up to develop the school community. They have set up a Face Book page Parents of Parkfield. The support for the school has been and still is amazing.

And yet. . .here I write telling you this story because the last few weeks became a nightmare, because the Department of Education couldn't secure the building and therefore has let us all down.  The governing body has been frantically trying to find temporary accommodation. But to no avail!

What is amazing though is the continued support of the Parents, the Headmaster and the future staff.  It really is "Batten down the Hatches" The Spirit that makes you proud to be British!

Parkfield School WILL open in September 2013. It will be bigger and better than before. It will open purely because of the amazing power of a Dream. . . (And a lot of hard work!)

The New Forest National Park

We have spent the weekend in the New Forest. The New Forest National Park is  located about 20 miles from Bournemouth.  We set off in our wellies, our waterproofs and jumpers, to enjoy our classic summer weather.  It was cold and wet! 

Walking in The New Forest

The New Forest is absolutely beautiful. It has pigs, ponies and cows roaming around freely. Today we found a grass snake, which I dithered about picking up,( as I wasn't a hundred percent sure it wasn't an adder) It was amazing. LBR (who is scared of spiders, ants. . pretty much everything) held it, and really studied it. Surprisingly  they really are quite beautiful.

A New Forest Local

We found a "horsey tree" where the boys sit on the branch and bounce up and down, A poorly mole, which ended up having a full burial (in a hole dug by the dog) and we all said a pray.  

A dragon Fly

Fox Gloves

We stood on a bridge and threw stones in the water, we built a dam. Finlay dug up a shoe, a ball and a sock from the bottom of the river. (I was a bit worried there could of been something attached to the shoe!) There were, foxgloves, furns and oaks.
It really is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. No wonder it has just received the "National Park" Status.

Bournemouth & Boys bedroom idea's

Sunrise on Bournemouth Beach

What a lovely few days! It has been absolutely beautiful in Bournemouth. For any of you that have never been, Bournemouth beach has beautiful fine sand which merges with Poole beach and goes on for miles and miles. It has great facilities all along it. I went to Hawaii a few years ago and believe it or not, I think Bournemouth Beach is better than Big Beach (which was in Conde Nast, best beaches in the world) . . .although the water is a little colder!

Beautiful sands of Bournemouth Beach 

http://kidsbedroomdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/unique-and-creative-children-room.html
We have been decorating LBR bedroom. I found it surprisingly difficult. He has only just turned 5, but want him to have it for at least a couple of years, so it can't be too babyish. I came across this fabulous blog Have a look at the amazing rooms. . . . some people are so clever!

Sunny Bournemouth and Little Mashers

After a reasonable weekend, It's raining again and cold! So I thought I would cheer you up with some lovely sunny pictures taken a few weeks ago in Bournemouth, when the sun last shined!

 

I have been busy really looking for unique boys clothes, which I hope to share with you. I have come across these lovely long sleeve Ts from little mashers. The fruit and vegetable T's below are  for 0-2 year old's, but they have amazing designs for all age groups. The retail price is £17.00




You also have to have look at  the new fantastic Chalk and Tees. The Tees have a chalk board space so you and your little boy can design your own look! They retail at £16.50.