Mary Reid

Hundreds of Kingston University students volunteer to help the local community every year, so it was great to be able to honour some of them on Tuesday evening.  And where better than in Oceana? - all those who won the special 'Stand Out' awards were able to stay on for a good night out.

There was more to celebrate last evening when I gave out the certificates at Kingston Rotary's Adult Achievement Awards.  These were given to adults who had been studying either at Kingston College or through Kingston Adult Education. Many had overcome serious barriers of disability, caring responsibilities, or lack of education.

That was rather special for me as in the past I have taught at both institutions. "Teachers are our greatest resource - but I would say that, wouldn't I?"

More learning will be taking place at the superb new wildlife garden at Coombe Hill Junior School. I forgot to take my camera and really regret that now as other schools really should go and see what they've done.  The garden has all kinds of habitats - pond, boggy area, nettle patch, woodland, log piles, shrubbery - as well as quiet areas for children to sit. I announced it open and then some goldfish were released into the pond.