Huge excitement as we embark on our journey to the new premises!
Well time has galloped on since I last wrote about my thoughts and feelings of our move to the new premises, and now I have had a chance to look around, I no longer feel at all apprehensive as it is absolutely lovely!
Having worked as a teacher at Burnholme for 20 years, I should be very familiar with the proportions of the building - but it was rather bewildering when I arrived for my tour a couple of weeks ago, (complete with Village People YMCA vest and hard-hat) as I could not work out how they had managed to create all the additional space. And it is full of light - nothing dingy, all very modern. There are a couple of places where the old and the new overlap, like the assembly hall, which feels the same as the last one, but somehow a 'freed-up' version ... and then at the end of the corridor, near the Tang Hall SMART suite of rooms, there is the former staff-room staircase, preserved ... very nice vibes there too, and to anyone reading this who cared about the former school, I hope they will come along when the place opens, to see for themselves - it still has the lovely friendly atmosphere that Burnholme had, but it is wonderfully transformed.
It will be very fine indeed to come into work through a proper reception, to have a cafe on the right, a brand new library on the left, our own amazing wing at the bottom of the corridor (on two levels!!!) - and toilets that do not smell which has definitely been one of the low points during our camping out in the old CDT area.
So now we have our date to move, it seems timely to let you all know when this is, so you know when not to come, and also, whilst I am here, I have included some other essential information like the date of our summer concert, which will be held in the Assembly Hall! This will be such a symbolic moment!
May 22nd (Tuesday) - Last Junior Rock School Clubs for the term
Week beginning 28th May - half term week - only provisions on are The Choir (Wednesday), and Musication (Friday)
June 13th Weds. 5.30-7.30pm - an open evening for SMART-WAYS (our post 16 programme for young people who have EHCPs - there is a page on the website all about it). This is held in the new building as the lovely manager of the centre, Andrew, has agreed to honour our booking of the date by opening it up just for us in the evening!
Week starting 18th June - SoundSMART and Inclusive Rock School on Monday as usual - but after that we close for the week as we are moving into our new premises
Week starting 25th June - a usual week but in the new building!
Saturday 7th July - huge summer concert (details to follow)
Week starting 9th July - last week of delivery
Week starting 30th July - Thursday 2nd August - Summer school 1 (for older participants of 17+ who have learning disabilities)
Week starting 6th August - Thursday 9th August - Summer school 2 (for young people aged 11-17 who have learning disabilities)
Hoping to see you all soon - perhaps at our concert - or in the future when we launch our expanded community programme!
Sue Williamson
