Oaklands Park School now has an all season building – the roof of which can be opened up during good weather – to house a swimming pool that is used every day by pupils.
It was opened last Thursday by rugby legend Phil Bennett, Welsh fly-half international during the seventies, who thought that the pool was excellent and was delighted to be open it. The occasion marked the end of 18 months hard work by the Wooden Spoon Society, the charity of British Rugby, whose £30,600 donation was matched by the government through Devon Local Authority's SEED funding scheme. The remaining money was raised through other donations including money from the school.
'It was a fantastic day,' explained headmaster Bob Pugh. 'The pool itself is a tremendous facility and helps the children enormously with their swimming.
'Although the students have severe learning difficulties, swimming is the one sport they can all thoroughly excel in.'
The school caters for 55 children between the ages of four and 18, many of whom have autism. Most of the children are fit and healthy and the staff encourage a full PE programme.
'One aspect we pride ourselves in is the fact virtually every child leaves us as a confident swimmer,' continued Mr Pugh. 'The pool is heated to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and, being a residential school, is used day and night. It is also enjoyed by adults from other homes and schools who also experience learning difficulties.'
It was 18 months ago that the chairman of the Devon branch of the Wooden Spoon Society, Bruce Priday, offered to help raise money to construct the new building.
'As a result we have a new £75,000 building to house the pool and we can even slide the roof back in good weather to provide and open air facility,' added Mr Pugh. 'We are so grateful to Bruce, his committee and the members for their outstanding support because without it, we would be along way off our target.'
Mr Priday said: 'This is our third major project in Devon and we are delighted that the money raised will help so many less fortunate children.
'What is rewarding for us is that every penny raised by the Devon committee of the Wooden Spoon Society is spent on projects within the county and is matched pound for pound from Central Wooden Spoon Funds. It means we are able to help so many children fulfil their potential when all they need is that little bit of extra resource to do so.'
Chairman of the school governors, Cllr Ted Hockin said: 'I am over the moon. Wooden Spoon is a great organisation and is much appreciated for their efforts with this. The pool will benefit the children greatly.'
Many Devon business people who were involved with the fundraising, as well as the school governors, watched the children jump into the pool, perform routines and have fun on the day.