On the trail of town’s history
06/03/2013 13:17:48
In an effort to learn interesting facts about their town to tell their new pen pals, local youngsters took to the Kilmarnock Town Trail.
Park School S4B pupils recently twinned with a class in Bytom, southern Poland. Children in each school aim to exchange information, photos and postcards about the others’ town and culture.
Bytom (population approx 184,000) has similarities to Kilmarnock, in that it is beginning to reinvent itself, after a few decades of industrial decline. Coal mining and steel making were until recently key industries in the area.
The Park School youngsters decided to explore the Town Trail to carry out some research and take photos of Kilmarnock to send to their new friends.
Accompanied by teacher Claire Matthews and by Graham Boyd, local historian and Grange Academy physics teacher, the young explorers viewed the stunning stained glass windows inside the New Laigh Kirk and explored the churchyard’s hallowed grounds.
The Sandbed – Kilmarnock’s first main street – was next on the tour, followed by the Cross and the viaduct. The group then enjoyed well-earned mugs of hot chocolate at the nearby Blowmore Café.
Pupil Loren Gemmell said: “I liked learning the history of Robert Burns and the printer John Wilson”.
Classmate Jack Taggart added: “The waterfall at the old bridge was my favourite place.”
Teacher Claire Matthews said: “We have been learning about Kilmarnock and its history to share with our partner schools in Europe and Sri Lanka. Visiting the Town Trail with Mr Boyd has really enhanced our classroom learning.”
Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “Not only did the children have the excitement of exploring the hidden gems to be found on the Town Trail – they also learned a lot about the fascinating people and places of Kilmarnock’s rich cultural past.
“I’m sure they will have lots to tell their new pen pals!”
ends
For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk