Time has moved on, and the change of Government clarified that no such development would take place in the foreseeable future, so we were asked the question again by the new Headmistress, Jane Headland. This time we were able to answer positively, and our ever helpful Spoon members, David Flower (Quantity Surveyor) and Richard Wragg (Architect) helped produce a set of specifications that allowed us to fund the renewal of the changing room facilities for girls and boys at a cost of £25,000, whilst the education authority and the school found the balance of circa £80,000 for work on the pool area itself.

The children now have a fresh, modern pool area with wheelchair access to the showers; a continuous hoist system running from their changing beds to the pool itself; wheelchair access washing and toileting facilities, and functional double glazing on outside walls.

With a population of 194 children with multiple and severe learning difficulties (as well as physical disabilities), this has proved a great success.

On Monday 20th February, BBC radio Berkshire featured the project on their morning show, and on Monday 27th Sir Clive Woodward performed the formal opening ceremony. In attendance were some major Spoon supporting, fund raising groups: The RBOS Kilimanjaro climbers (£35,000); Simon Alway who organised the Sir Clive Woodward Golf Day (£30,000); TNT (Reading & Milton depots) who take part in the national fund raising of £300,000 plus per annum. In addition, Goodman International and UKBP Directors (new ambassadors for Spoon) were present.

From the School side there were teachers, governors, pupils and supporters, making a "signing audience" of about 50, most of whom left with a signature from Sir Clive on sportswear, mascots, or merely Brookfield Gift Cards.

Sir Clive Woodward talks about Wooden Spoon.


The project explained.