This afternoon, Walton Academy was proud to host a very special garden party, bringing together students, staff, the chair of governors, sponsors and members of the wider community to mark the formal opening of our academy garden and orchard. The event also celebrated the launch of our Diamond Jubilee year and recognised the remarkable dedication of our longest-serving staff members.
Guests were welcomed into our outdoor space, which has been developed over the past year by the gardening club, staff, and student volunteers. From a modest patch of land to a thriving hub of wellbeing and sustainability, the transformation has been a true labour of love – and one we were delighted to showcase today.
We were honoured to welcome Mr Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale Gardens, who formally opened the garden, and to dedicate a tree and plaque in memory of our former chair of governors, Mr Brian Buttery. Brian’s presence was deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the “Buttery Cup” award and his generous contributions to the school, including the garden shed that will continue to serve our community.
One of the most special moments of the day was the unveiling of Walton’s orchard, created with the generous support of Lincolnshire County Council. Each of the twenty trees has been dedicated to members of staff who have given over two decades of service to the academy. Their commitment and care have shaped generations of students, and it was a privilege to recognise their impact in such a lasting way.
The afternoon also saw the final sprint of our assistant principal, Mrs Kim Dolby, who ran 6km every day for 60 days – come rain or shine – as part of a “6km for 60” Diamond Jubilee challenge. Her inspiring effort is raising funds for both the Walton Academy garden and orchard, and the World Challenge Borneo expedition, which a group of our students will undertake next year. Her determination drew a well-deserved cheer from the crowd as she completed her final lap during the event.
Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments, many of which featured produce grown by the gardening club. Students, supported by Lovely Loaves and Bread Educating Britain, created an impressive array of baked goods, including profiteroles, cinnamon swirls, and beautifully decorated cupcakes and biscuits – all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by our guests.
Today’s event brought together many strands of school life, offering a snapshot of Walton’s continued growth and evolution – from its beginnings in 1966 as a girls’ secondary modern to the inclusive, co-educational academy it is today.
The event also gave us the opportunity to share some of the gardening club’s recent achievements, including their award-winning debut at the Lincolnshire Show, where they were named best newcomer and placed second in the secondary school category. The team recreated their stand for today’s event, offering visitors a chance to explore their VR garden fly-through and talk to students about the experience.
Principal, Jess Leonard, said:
“This was a truly special day for the whole Walton community, a chance to celebrate our 60-year history and thank those who have helped shape it, as we look ahead to an exciting future. We are so proud of what our students and staff have achieved with the garden, and we are incredibly grateful to all who have supported the project along the way.”
This afternoon was a celebration of community, legacy, and growth. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we begin our Diamond Jubilee year. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us.
Here’s to the next 60 years of Walton Academy.
