Penwortham Environmental Education Centre – sponsored by National Grid and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust - celebrates its tenth birthday this year with festivities spanning two days. 

On Friday 29 August, David Borrow MP will visit the environment centre during its open afternoon and will join invited guests including Cllr Barry and Mrs Kath Yates, Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble, local residents, businesses and organisations.  Chris Murray, Director of Asset Management at National Grid, will be there to discuss the centre’s involvement with the local community.  The landmark birthday will be commemorated by the planting of two wildlife-friendly holly trees. 

Run by 11 members of staff, the centre (one of six at National Grid substations around the country) has educated some 250,000 children and families on issues relating to the environment including recycling and climate change, working closely with the National Curriculum.  The centre also works with “v”, an independent charity which encourages 16 to 25 year olds to volunteer their services, through the V for Volunteering scheme.  Four of the volunteers who have taken part in this scheme are now permanently employed at the Centre.

The open afternoon begins at 2pm, and as well as refreshments it will offer the opportunity for guests to learn more about the V for Volunteering scheme as well as the centre itself and a tour of the site.  

The celebrations continue on Saturday 30th August, when the centre is hosting a Green Fair. From 10am to 3pm families can take part in activities such as pond-dipping and papermaking, as well as the opportunity to dress as a Viking and visit various craft stalls.

Ted Charnley, Site Maintenance Officer and longest serving member of staff at Penwortham, says, “I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the past ten years. My favourite part of the job is coming to work! Every day is different. You could be hunting for mini-beasts one day and part of a studio film crew the next.”

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For further media information only, please contact Doranna Rizzo, National Grid Media Relations, on 01926 655373

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