Hoddlesden school theatre is first for area (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Hoddlesden school theatre is first for area

10:49am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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A primary school in Hoddlesden is the first in the Darwen area to be fitted out with an outdoor theatre.

Children at St Paul's CE Primary School, in Bayne Street, will be able to use the area from Thursday, when the theatre and a ‘trim trail’ adventure playground is officially opened by the Mayor of Blackburn with the Darwen, Coun James Hirst.

The small theatre has been built on a playing field behind the school, with tiered seats like a Roman amphitheatre.

It will provide an area for children to perform, sit and reflect, read books, or as an alternative classroom when the weather improves.

Teachers are also keen for the wider East Rural community to use the facilities.

Kathryn Edwards, from the Extending Schools programme which has financed the work, said: “The school is very keen to bring in the wider community in East Rural, and make their facilities open to them.

“There is a possibility that it can be used for candle-lit church services, as a different kind of meeting area, or for book groups.

“After the launch, community groups will be contacted about using the site.”

Judith Rowell, of the school, said: “We are really pleased that this has gone ahead and the children are very excited.”

Work on the site began during the Christmas holidays but was severely disrupted by the poor winter conditions.

A similar outdoor seating area is available at Daisyfield Primary School, but on a much smaller scale.