Tommy Leaves WW1 History at Priory

Pupils will notice a new addition to the ‘Lest We Forget’ Memorial Garden – Corporal Tommy.

Tommy was carved by John Winders and has been donated to Priory by John via Preston South Rotary Club, in return for a £500 donation to children’s charity Derian House by the Rotary Club.

Rotary Club’s Geoff Todhunter takes up the story.

“John Winders, a friend, took up wood-carving as a retirement hobby and has carved a number of birds, animals and other characters. Rather than accepting payment he requests that a donation be made to his preferred charity, Derian House.

“When he was nearing completion of his WW1 soldier he was wondering where it could be erected and I undertook, on behalf of my Rotary Club, to try and find somewhere suitable.

“Penwortham Town Council approached local schools on our behalf and we are delighted that Penwortham Priory Academy gladly accepted it for their Memorial Garden.

“The end result is that Derian House will receive a significant donation from Rotary; John is delighted to know the statue has found a suitable home; the school will receive a nice focal point for their Memorial Garden and the Rotary Club pulled it 
altogether.”

John said: “I got the wood in April and it took me until October to make Tommy. I got the idea from the soldier in Astley Park and I thought I would have a crack at it.

“It’s different to what I normally do, I have made many animals and characters, including Paddington and Mr Toad, and they are  in the grounds of Derian House and it’s lovely to see Tommy in a school.”

Lead Teacher for History Mr Eccles said: “I am very impressed with Tommy, it’s magnificent.

“It will get pupils talking about history and our Year 8s are currently studying the Great War so it’s a nice coincidence.”

Principal Mr Eastham said: “It really does have the wow factor. We are a community school and this is a fitting place to have this carving.

“We are blessed with having outdoor learning spaces and we hold our Remembrance Ceremony in our Memorial Garden every November so this is a fantastic addition to our  learning environment.

“We have already noticed pupils looking at Tommy and hopefully this will stimulate discussion about him and history..”

Gardener Mr Farron said: “Corporal Tommy is a welcome addition to our ‘Lest We Forget’ Memorial Garden, John is very talented and it is extraordinary. We just have to find a regiment for him now!”

Derian House representative Anne-Marie Fishwick said: “We are grateful to John for all the work he does for us and to come to Priory to see his latest carving.

“John asks for a donation to Derian House instead of for his work and this helps to raise our profile in different communities.”

 

Picture below shows (L-R):  Anne-Marie Fishwick - Derian House, Carole Cockrane - Preston South Rotary Club, John Winders - Woodcarver, Geoff Todhunter &  Frank Killen - Preston South Rotary Club.