'Hobbit Hut' opens at County Durham school as teacher's dream realised

Michelle Wheatley (pictured below), who was nursery manager at Howden-le-Wear Primary School dreamed of adding an outdoor ‘hobbit hut’ to the County Durham school’s grounds.

(Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

Sadly, Michelle passed away at the age of 47 from pancreatic cancer, and never saw her vision for the outdoor classroom come to life – but dedicated staff, pupils and families have spent the last four years fighting to make it happen.

Thanks to their fundraising coupled with support from Durham County Council, Howden-le-Wear Primary School – which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership – is finally home to Mrs Wheatley’s Hobbit Hut.

(Image: Chris Barron)

Nursery teacher, Sharon Atkinson, who worked with Michelle for more than 20 years and was one of her best friends, said: “Shelly would have been bowled over to see this. She would have absolutely loved it. It’s taken a long time, but we’ve finally done it. We talk a lot about perseverance and resilience with the children, and this is a fantastic example of that.

“Shelly was so dedicated to the school, and devoted her whole life to children. She went above and beyond in everything she did, whether it was as a Scout leader, here at the school, or helping parents in the village. She was just an all-round amazing person.”

From left: ‘King Hobbit’ Hugo Morton, Head of School Hannah Clark, Cllr Anne Reed, nursery teacher Sharon Atkinson, Head Teacher Chris Baines (Image: Chris Barron)

Head of School, Hannah Clark, added: “When a new child joined the nursery, it was like the whole family joined – she welcomed everyone, and if you had a problem, she’d be there to help you sort it out. She was like everybody’s second mum.”

(Image: Chris Barron)

A special opening ceremony was held at the school with children, staff, and guests. Pupils shared their favourite memories of being taught and cared for by Mrs Wheatley, and joined together to sing one of her favourite songs: the John Denver classic, ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.

The project cost £12,500, which was raised by pupils, staff and families through events including film nights, concerts, a ‘Break the Rules Day’, and Sharon’s sponsored climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a grant of £4,500 from Durham County Council.

Cllr Reed, Sharon Atkinson, and Hannah Clark inside Mrs Wheatley's Hobbit Hut (Image: Chris Barron)

In gratitude for the local authority’s support, Councillor for Crook Division, Anne Reed, was invited to cut the ribbon on Mrs Wheatley’s Hobbit Hut.

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Cllr Anne Reed cuts the ribbon (Image: Chris Barron)

She was presented with the ceremonial scissors by pupil Hugo Morton – dressed for the occasion as ‘King Hobbit’.

Councillor Reed said: “I heard that it was Mrs Wheatley’s dream to have one of these hobbit huts, and I thought: what a good thing, because it won’t just be for the children of today, but it will be there for children to enjoy for many years to come.

“It’s an exciting facility, a learning facility, a facility for everyone – so I think it is money well spent. I’d like thank everyone who has been involved: the children, their families and friends, and all the staff here.”