The Mayor of Market Drayton, Councillor Tim Manton, joined Grove School Year 7 students in the Lake District on Wednesday 23rd September to cut the ribbon on The Undercroft, a new learning and discovery space at The Birks field centre in Seathwaite, in the Duddon Valley.
The Birks was bought by Grove School headteacher Geoff Dickinson in 1985. It has been part of growing up in Market Drayton ever since, and for many Grove students it was their first trip away from home. Today it is owned by the charity Friends of Grove School and run by the volunteer Birks Committee.
The Undercroft project was led by Birks Committee President Steve Murphy. He and a team of volunteers turned a space too low to stand up in into the centre’s first dedicated room for learning and development.
Jordan Machin, Co-Chairman of the Birks Committee, said: “All credit goes to Steve and his team, who have worked their socks off to make this happen. We have always tried to be more than a field centre. Our charitable aims are about developing a love of the outdoors in young people, especially those who wouldn’t normally have access to this wonderful part of the world. With The Undercroft, we can honestly say this is a place for learning and discovery.”
The committee also thanked Grove School headteacher Mitch Allsopp and the Marches Academy Trust for renewing the school’s commitment to The Birks. Mr Machin said: “Under Mitch’s leadership, we see an exciting way forward for our unique field centre. We’re very grateful to the Marches Academy Trust for supporting him to engage with The Birks in the way we always hoped.”
The committee plans for the space to become a gateway to the Duddon Valley and a centre for local history, working with the Duddon Valley Local History Group. To mark the launch, every bedroom at The Birks has been named after a former resident of the site. The names go back to 1681, when William Gybson and his family farmed the land. The Undercroft will also support Restoring Hardknott Forest, which is returning old plantation to native woodland across the valley.
At the event, local farmer Eddie Benn helped unveil a new public artwork. It was made by Market Drayton fabricator Ian Noden and pictures Eddie, his dog Sky and his Herdwick sheep. Mr Benn has lived in the valley since 1967 and has supported The Birks for decades.
The Birks welcomes new hires – private and group bookings and it can be booked up a year advance on their website www.thebirks.org.uk.
