Growing Calm: Old Woodstock Mock Mayor Helps Create Mindfulness Garden at Woodstock Primary School

Anne Hipwell, Headteacher of Woodstock Primary School, with Dom our Mock Mayor

The Old Woodstock Mock Mayor continues to make a meaningful difference in our community, and this year's £700 donation to Woodstock Primary School for their new Mindfulness Garden is already blossoming into something special.

A Quiet Space in a Busy World

As our children navigate an increasingly busy school environment, the need for peaceful, reflective spaces has never been more important. The new Mindfulness Garden, nestled in the KS1 playground area, offers exactly that – a tranquil retreat where young minds can find calm away from the energetic buzz of the main playground.

Head Teacher Anne Hipwell shared her heartfelt thanks during the Mock Mayor's visit on 24th October, highlighting how the garden has already become a cherished space for students. "There are two lovely benches under the tree in the garden," she explained, "and lots of you and your families came to help plant that and to start it."

A Community Effort

Work in progress at the Mindfulness Garden

What makes this project particularly special is how it brought the whole school community together. Families rolled up their sleeves to help with the initial garden design and planting, creating not just a physical space but also strengthening the bonds between home and school. This collaborative spirit perfectly embodies what the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor event is all about – community members coming together to make a positive difference.

The First of Many

Perhaps most excitingly, this Mindfulness Garden is just the beginning. As Anne Hipwell noted, the project has inspired a broader vision for the school: "What it's shown us is that we've got lots of little spaces and places around school that we should be looking to develop, so that all of you, no matter where you are in school, have access to a quieter space that isn't on the busy playground, where you can just go and sit if you need that quiet, reflective space."

The head teacher expressed her gratitude, calling this "the start of a great project" and hoping it marks "the first of many visits" between the Mock Mayor committee and the school.

Supporting Mental Wellbeing

These quiet spaces offer children the opportunity to take a moment to breathe, develop self-regulation skills, and connect with nature when they need a peaceful moment away from the busy playground.

Thank You to Our Community

Your support of the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor event's fundraising has made donations like this possible. Every drink purchased, every raffle entered, and every donation made at our annual celebration contributes directly to projects that enhance our town.

We're proud to support the Woodstock Lunch Club, the Bereavement Café, Cherwell Collective, the Singing Club, while also creating lasting spaces that will benefit Woodstock's children for years to come.

Looking Forward

As the Mindfulness Garden continues to develop, it stands as a testament to what our community can achieve together. We look forward to seeing how this initial investment inspires more mindful spaces throughout the school.

To learn more about the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor event or get involved next year, message us on the links below or follow us on social media.

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