Latest news with #CastleNewnhamSchool
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bedford's new underpass artwork to show 'light and positivity'
An underpass that needed some "tender loving care" has been updated and renovated with a vibrant design to represent "light and positivity".The subway by the Embankment and Aspects Leisure Park in Bedford was prone to flooding and has fully reopened after being closed for several lighting has been installed, a water leak fixed and the pavement resurfaced.A mural was painted on the walls by artists, helpers and young people from Castle Newnham School and Bedfordshire's youth offending service. Bedford Creative Arts, who were commissioned by Bedford Borough Council to brighten up the area, said: "It had been in need of some TLC for a long time, often being prone to flooding."Local artists Sarah Harrison and Paige Denham, collaborated with young people on the design and artwork. Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service manager Pat Jennings said young people had told them about "the biases and stigma that surround people who may have been associated with negative behaviours in the past"."It led to a discussion about poetry and song, which inspired 'a vibrant design representing light and positivity'." She said they acknowledged the "importance of inspiration to help you overcome everyday struggles." A participant from the young offender scheme said: "I wasn't sure I would be any good at it but I have really enjoyed it and am proud of the painting I've done."Fellow painter Matilda said: "I really like all the colours and shapes."Passer-by Valerie Bailey said the renovation looked amazing and asked if the group could "do the rest of the town".The project was supported by ward funds from Bedford Borough Green councillors Lucy Bywater, Paul Edmonds, Liberal Democrat councillor Hilde Hendrickx and a grant from the Safer Bedfordshire Community Bywater said: "It's an amazing and cheerful design that really brightens the underpass and makes the experience of using it so much more joyful than before." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pupils rise to the challenge by starting bakery
A school has created its very own bakery to sell cakes and breads direct to a coffee shop to help develop children's real-life business skills. Castle Newnham Bakery was started by GCSE hospitality and catering pupils at the Bedford school which now sells its wares to Mooch Coffee in the town. Pupil Asi, 15, said it had helped her understand "what it is like to work in the hospitality and catering industry", and she hopes to open her own bakery. Mat Dunkley, a partner at the shop, said it received two tray bakes and three loaves every week and treated the pupils "like any other supplier". The collaboration came about when Martin Jenkins, another partner at the shop, attended his son's sports day at Castle Newnham School. He purchased some sweet treats at a stall run by the catering pupils and was so impressed with the quality that he requested an order. Now, every Thursday, the pupils bake a variety of cakes after school, ranging from lemon drizzle and jam and coconut to chocolate slices and old school cake. They work in the school kitchen to comply with health and hygiene laws and regulations. They also care for a sourdough starter named "Kitty". The finished food is collected on Friday morning and taken to the store. Chloe, 14, said: "Baking for Mooch Coffee is my favourite part of the week. "I love the experience of working in the industrial kitchen and using the extra large equipment to bake the cakes each week." Precious, 15, said: "I love visiting the coffee shop at the weekend and seeing our cakes being sold to the local community." Asi said: "I would love to own a bakery when I am older, so this is the perfect experience." Mr Dunkley said: "It's just brilliant, we don't treat them any differently because they're children, we treat them like any other supplier. "I'm proud of the partnership. "We're paying for a service and it gives pupils the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in hospitality, completing the full catering cycle by also supporting the community." He said the shop was also planning to do more including collaborating with the school's performing arts department to host intimate acoustic music evenings to further enrich "the pupils' learning journey". Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'People think I work in a cafe at 18 but I own it' Head teacher rejects 'lost generation' label Dog joins school staff to help with Covid anxiety Castle Newnham School
