FROM WIMBLEDON TO SHIPLEY COLLEGE: STUDENTS TRANSFORM LOCAL TENNIS CLUB
With Wimbledon-fever gripping the nation, Shipley College students have been celebrating a tennis success story of their own after helping transform the grounds of Heaton Tennis & Squash Club through a two-year voluntary gardening project.
The project began after Alyson Thornton, Course Leader of the Next Steps group at Shipley College, identified an opportunity for students to gain meaningful work experience while supporting a valued local community facility.
Working alongside Russell and Liz, who help look after the tennis club grounds along with a group of hard working volunteers, Shipley College students cleared mature thorny shrubs, weeds and litter from areas that had become difficult for members to access. The group also helped restore pathways, improve seating areas and create new planting schemes.
Students have worked on the project through every season, also producing seasonal hanging baskets and planters for the club, which have been warmly received by members.
Carol Canoville, Horticulture Tutor at Shipley College, said:
“When we first visited the site, it was very overgrown and parts of it had become difficult for members to use. Our students worked incredibly hard through every season to clear areas, open up pathways and bring new life back to the grounds. It has been a brilliant practical project for them, helping them build gardening skills, confidence and pride in supporting their local community.”
Alyson Thornton, Course Leader of the Next Steps group, said:
“This has been a great volunteering opportunity for our young people over the last two years. With my friend Liz very much involved at the club, it felt like a natural partnership, and Russell has been lovely to work with. He has really enjoyed working with our students and seeing the difference they have made.”
The partnership has also supported students’ qualifications, giving them real-life gardening experience while helping the club develop its outdoor spaces for members and visitors.
Shipley College continues to work with local organisations to give students practical experience, build confidence and support the wider community.
Renowned for building strong links within the local community, Shipley College works with employers, charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across the district to create meaningful opportunities for students. Located in the picturesque village of Saltaire, the College benefits from a peaceful and welcoming setting within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With enrolments for September now approaching, students considering their next steps after school can apply now, with every applicant guaranteed an offer. Enrolments will take place throughout August, giving prospective students the opportunity to secure their place and begin their journey at Shipley College.
As Wimbledon prepares to welcome the world's best players, the result at Heaton Tennis & Squash Club is already clear: a winning partnership between Shipley College, the local community and a group of students whose hard work has helped transform a valued local facility.
