12 October 2011

Brookfield School's grape expectations
Schoolchildren across Berkshire have been enjoying a bumper harvest having picked their own fruit, reaped their own crops and donated food parcels to people in need.

Special needs youngsters at Brookfield School, in Tilehurst, gathered dozens of bunches of grapes when they helped out during a visit to Theale Vineyard.

Wine producer Laithwaites, which owns the vineyard, has given its support to the school and also involved pupils in creating a range of quality products made from recycled wine cases from all over the world.

This includes creating trays that use chateau-stamped case ends for an international wine event at Londons Vinopolis, and converting cases for apple juice bottled at St Crispins Orchard in Chapel Row.

Teacher Trevor Coles said: We have had a long relationship with Laithwaites for about 10 years and harvesting the grapes is just one facet of that, which we started last year.

We also make and sell products by recycling their old wine boxes. It is ideal for special needs children and the results are really quite impressive.

It gives them real and genuine work-related learning.

Children in reception class at Crosfields School, in Shinfield, have gathered their very own harvest from their garden this week under the watchful eye of their school scarecrow.

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