Barton Bulletin
19th January 2009
NEW NATURE TRAIL FOR BARTON
Dick Hyde reports that thanks to a grant from Sustainable Development Fund, administered by AONB, based at Charterhouse on Mendip, the first phase of Barton’s Nature Trail has now been completed.
Designed by Adrian Boots, a landscape ecologist, researcher and conservation adviser who runs his own business “ Walk the Mendips “ www.walkthemendips.com , the purpose is to help children develop a better understanding of the natural world and appreciate the wonder and diversity of nature.
A draft teacher’s pack has been produced, including indoor and outdoor activities. It is planned that Phase 2 will involve specifications for the development of a badger and deer hide, signposting around the site, as well as the design, illustration and printing of the teacher’s packs.
MICHAEL HARDWICK MBE
FOR THE NURTURE, EDUCATION AND WELFARE OF OUR GREATEST ASSET - CHILDREN
All of us were delighted to learn that Michael had been made an MBE, but while congratulating him on the honour bestowed ‘At the Monarchs pleasure’, few will be aware of the full extent of the life-long dedication that has led to this well-deserved accolade.
I quickly realised that I too was one of those whose knowledge had been restricted to ‘Mike and the BCHS’. The result of my deeper research may be summed up by saying that his single-minded ambition has always been focussed upon the nurture, education and welfare of our greatest asset – children.
The core of this chosen mission grew from 45 years experience of teaching in numerous schools, well over half of which in the capacity of Headmaster. Throughout these many years he worked energetically to encourage the young people in his care to push the boundaries of their abilities, building confidence and self-esteem. They were presented with opportunities to develop into well-rounded individuals, absorbing and enjoying the widest range of activities, and achieving outstanding results in sport, in music and the arts.
Today there are thousands of adults in Bristol and elsewhere who could confirm the success of Mike’s passion to help them realise their potential and many whose lives and careers have been shaped by his influence when they were young, not least some of those who might have been abandoned as tyrants by less perceptive teachers.
Holiday breaks at Barton Camp would rank highly in the memories of many parents. Not satisfied with the demanding tasks of managing a large primary school, Mike has worked in a voluntary capacity giving unlimited amounts of his ‘spare’ time to Bristol Children’s Help Society and its mission to provide wonderful holiday breaks for deprived children.
Supported throughout by his wife Hilary since his first involvement in 1971, Mike has now been leading the Society as Chairman for no less than 28 years, commencing with salvaging it from closure when the site was about to be condemned and since then driving the progressive refurbishment and development of the facilities.
We offer our hearty congratulations for your truly remarkable achievements, both professional and charitable. Well done!
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