School’s Australian animal rescue appeal

Pupils at the Avanti Park school, (previously the Steiner Academy Frome), gave up their free time last month to come to school to support animals in need after the horrendous bushfires in Australia. 

The school reports, “The children, parents and staff sewed ‘bat wraps’, ‘cosy pouches’ and ‘crochet nests’. Bat wraps simulate a baby bat being tucked next to the mother’s body and held around by their wing, and the nests and pouches are for orphaned wallabies, kangaroos and fledglings. 

“Using handwork skills taught in school, about 40 children and adults had a productive morning engaged with crochet hooks, needles and sewing machines and the results were great-and colourful! It was a great opportunity for children to use their skills and goodwill to help in a situation that can often make many of us feel helpless. The box of goodies was delivered to Garston Vets, who were very surprised at the quality, quantity and beauty of the nests and pouches made in Frome. Everything was due to be sent off to Australia on Thursday 30th January. 

“Helen Mepham, one of the handwork teachers at the school, was very impressed with the turnout on a Saturday and congratulated all the pupils and parents. ‘Thank you so much for all your hard work and well done to all of you!’”