IT was a special story time for some of the youngest visitors to The Bowes Museum at the weekend.
They were the first to use the new £22,000 outdoor classroom when storyteller Elizabeth Baker enchanted them with tales of animals and creatures linked to the museum’s ongoing Adventures of Clara exhibition.
The classroom is an 8mx4m wooden structure which boasts a roof but is otherwise open to the elements and will seat up to 30 children once integrated benches are installed later this month. It is made from robinia wood, which has a low environmental impact as it is quick growing and naturally weather resistant without the need for chemicals.
The cost of the classroom was covered by the second round of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Alison Nicholson, the museum’s fundraising officer, said: “We are really pleased to have secured the funds that allowed us to create this amazing resource in the grounds between the bowling green and the tennis courts.
“We worked with Durham County Council’s conservation officer and planning officers to ensure this was the best position for it in the museum’s 22 acre parkland. It’s close to the coach park and outdoor toilets but also tucked safely away from the drive.”
Julia Dunn, the museum’s education and learning co-ordinator, added: “We’re so looking forward to using this lovely outdoor space. It’s a fantastic addition and means that we will be able to provide many more activities for everyone to enjoy in the grounds whatever the weather.”
The outdoor classroom will also offer a dedicated place for disadvantaged community groups visiting the museum to eat packed lunches.
It can also be used as an outdoor space by groups who may be nervous of enclosed spaces post-Covid. The weekly free family activities celebrating the Adventures of Clara exhibition that have been held in the grounds will now take place in the outdoor classroom.
