Leopard stolen from local children’s Sculpture Trail
Monday, 12 July 2010
The Sculpture trail was only assembled on Saturday, and the children are all very proud of their hard work. To quote one Year 5 girl "It’s hand made by children ages 5–11! With hardly any help! So if you want to come and see this amazing Sculpture Trail come down and see it!!!"
Unfortunately, this Leopard has already disappeared.
Over the past few months the Children of Hebden Royd Primary School have been studying Africa as part of their Geography topic.
They were all so inspired by this fascinating Continent that the children decided that the theme of this year’s Sculpture Trail would be ‘A Twist of Africa’!
Africa recreated in our wooded landscape by imaginative young minds. An Africa full of strange and wondrous creatures, colourful patterns and ancient tribal traditions.
Our twist has ‘Umbrella’ trees… made with real Umbrellas and recycled fabric, Giant Dolls and a hut inspired by the creations of the Ndebele tribe of South Africa. Dogon Dancer masks inspired the children to create their own masks and warriors created from old fence posts!
And we haven’t forgotten the animals. Sneak quietly past our Slithery Snakes, Greet Gamalia the Giraffe and Fafa the Fluffy Flamingo, and take a lingering look at Lado the Lion... who is feeling very lonely since his friend, Labaan the Leopard disappeared overnight.
Ms Gretyl Young, Head teacher at Hebden Royd Primary School said, "This is the third year that the children have created a Sculpture trail in Colden Clough, and we all get a huge buzz from their enthusiasm and creativity. The children are proud of their artwork and want to share it with the local community and also with visitors to Hebden Bridge, who often write to thank the children for the enjoyable walk they had whilst on holiday in the area.
"The Leopard was created by year 1 & 2 children and they will be devastated when they realise that their work has been taken.
"I am appealing to the conscience of whoever has taken the leopard to return it, either to Hebden Royd School or back to it’s spot on the trail with the rest of the Sculptures. This is a hugely selfish and inconsiderate act, which may seem like a joke to some, but not to the children who have spent months planning and creating the work."