Priory's gardens welcome a special creature in the name of charity

Priory’s award-winning gardens have a new addition – an expertly carved heron!

The heron has been placed in our Mediterranean garden, overlooking the pond, and has been sculptured by John Winders.

John made Corporal Tommy in our Memorial Garden after taking up wood carving as a hobby after retiring.

The heron won an award at the New Longton Flower Show and John decided to donate it to the school after speaking to gardener Chris Farron.

Priory, in return, is donating £75 to Derian House, a cause close to John’s heart and where many of his other sculptures are featured.

Mr Farron said: “It’s absolutely marvellous. The colour of the heron is autumnal and it looks brilliant in our gardens. We can’t thank John enough. It has got pride of place and we are delighted we could help Derian House too.”

John said: “It took me around three weeks to make. Chris asked me about it and I was delighted it has got a home at Priory. I made it look like it is wading through water and the fish is glazed to make it seem wet.

“I am glad Derian House is getting something out of it as it’s a charity where I have always felt appreciated.”

Derian House’s Anne-Marie Fishwick said: “John is fantastic, he is a massive supporter of Derian House and it’s amazing what he does for us. It’s nice that, through John, we have links with a school like Priory and with our local community.”

Priory's Lead Practitioner for Personal Development, Miss Smith, added "I am so pleased we have collaborated with John through our charity work. The Priory family continues to raise money for Derian House every year through our Christmas Jumper Day and House Colours Day. We already have plans in place for this year's awareness assemblies, promotional displays and fundraising activities to ensure we maximise our fundraising potential for such an important facility in our area."