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2005-2008 |
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| Newsletter no 8 | |
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Newsletter from England  Comenius Project ‘Encohan – Energy in the Consumers’ Hands’ Final Project Meeting Report Cordeaux School: 3rd – 7th March 2008 Monday afternoon saw a visit to the local town of Louth. The guests were treated to a walking tour of the historic Georgian centre that culminated in a visit to the Parish Church of St. James’s. The Canon Holdaway was on hand to show the party the highlights of the church, both public and unseen, whilst offering a personal commentary in his own inimitable style. A few brave souls climbed the 199 steps of the spire to be rewarded with fantastic views over Louth and the surrounding countryside. The other brave souls remained in the nave with the Canon, and listened to the boys’ choir practise. Mr Roberts figured prominently in the programme for Tuesday when he led an informal seminar on the ‘English Educational System.’ This resulted in a wide-ranging discussion over many topics, only curtailed by the necessity of Mark having to leave to teach his class. However, it is fair to say that the discussion was both thought provoking and informative, with the audience left wanting for more. The length and quality of the discussion again restricted project meeting time but colleagues benefited from an interesting educational discussion. In somewhat wintry conditions that afternoon, the group visited the historic market town of Alford for the first of its energy-related excursions. Alford Windmill is an example of a finely preserved five-sailed tower mill. The miller, Mr Dees, was able to offer a fascinating explanation of its history and of the simple, yet refined, engineering that works the mill. There followed a visit to Bateman’s Brewery in Wainfleet, one of the last remaining traditional family owned brewers in England. This was an interesting tour with excellent refreshments. 
 On Wednesday 5th March, we were delighted to visit Eon plc’s Killingholme Power Station, an interesting contrast to the historic energy of the windmill. This is a Combined Gas Cycle Turbine station and our group were the first to tour the site in two years since its return to full operation, making it a special occasion not only for guests but also for the guides. The site was of particular interest to our Turkish colleagues as their school had visited a similar plant in Istanbul. Clearly, the visit linked well with our theme of ‘Energy in the Consumers’ Hands’ but an additional ‘extra’ showed to us by the guides provoked our interest as educationalists. The site has a building devoted to educating Primary school pupils about safety through rooms staffed by a variety of agencies such as the police, coastguard, electricity providers etc. It was felt by the group that this was an excellent initiative and I think we may well see it replicated in various parts of Europe. The afternoon was devoted to visiting the National Fishing Heritage Centre in Grimsby. Here the group were treated to a virtuoso performance by Graham, an ex-trawler man, who brought alive the history of the former fishing boat, the Ross Tiger. His decidedly unsentimental approach brought to life the hardships and challenges faced in this most difficult of jobs. A brisk walk along Cleethorpes sea front, where a few of the hardier friends ventured on the beach, provided the excuse, if any were needed, for fish and chips at Steel’s Restaurant that evening. With the visit to the region drawing to a close, Thursday saw an excursion to Lincoln. We were given an insight into the life and times of the Cathedral by our knowledgeable guide. Her iconoclastic view of history and dry humour was a definite hit with the party, and the tour was all too brief for many of us. Lincoln Castle provided a welcome opportunity for relaxed wanderings and for the chance to see some of the group incarcerated – justifiably if not permanently. 
 Thursday evening was the climax of the project meeting and the contributors (both seen and unseen) to the performance ‘Energise’ are to be highly commended. To focus on two performances is a little unfair but Daniel Portelli’s self composed song on energy and the Cordeaux Senior Dancers professionalism were both outstanding. The atmosphere of the performance was superb. Mention should be made of the preceding presentation of our newest ‘Healthy Schools’ award. Following the performance, an excellent dinner at ‘Melanie’s’ restaurant allowed our guests to say farewell to Lincolnshire and to the many new friends they had made, hopefully to meet again. An eventful journey on Friday to London allowed our guests to make their way back to their respective countries with, I hope, happy memories. It was a pleasure to host our friends and to show them a little of life in England. I am sure that I can speak for all our guests in thanking all of those who were so helpful and welcoming during their stay. Richard Coles Meeting Coordinator 16th March 2008 BACK |