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AXA (IOM) ANNOUNCES ITS 2009 HEARTS IN ACTION PROJECT

By IsleOfManAdmin on Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Filed Under: Education, Finance & Business, Isle of Man

Isle News, 14 July 2009 – AXA (IOM) has created a special garden for the children of Willaston Primary School.

The garden, named Marjie’s Garden after the school’s former caretaker Marjie Corrin, is located at the front of the school and includes 7 vegetable beds, one for each of the primary school’s six classes.

The project, which was part of AXA’s Hearts in Action community partnership programme, designed to build links between AXA, its staff and the local community, was completed by AXA staff in one day.

The children will now be able to not only plant their seedlings but also maintain the garden, providing them with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about nature and maybe even sample the fruits of their labours! In addition, with the environment in mind, the area has been provided with compost bins and a water butt.

AXA Isle of Man’s Managing Director Mike Foy said: “We are delighted we have been able to contribute to the local community in this way and, at the same time, provide a fitting tribute to Marjie Corrin, who was so highly regarded within the school and the Willaston community. We hope this new outdoor area will provide a great deal of pleasure and a new learning experience for the school’s children for many years to come.”

Willaston Primary School Head teacher Keith Hardisty said: “I am delighted AXA chose to do this because it’s the sort of project that couldn’t be done without their help. The children will be able to access the garden during break times and we will have a care plan for it. They will be keen and eager to see their plants grow and will hopefully be able to make things out of the vegetables that are grown.

“I hope people through time will keep on asking why it has been called Marjie’s Garden and we will then talk about her. Marjie worked at the school for 15 years, but had an association with it for much longer as her son came to school here. She did extra years of work and only retired 18 months ago and sadly passed away recently. She was very popular and was known throughout Willaston. She was a very kind lady who worked very hard and would do absolutely anything for the children. I think she would be delighted with the garden.”

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