Pupils pool their artistic talents to put much-loved Dingwall facility in frame for help
PUPILS at a Ross-shire primary school have drawn on their artistic talents to put the needs of one of the county's lifeline facilities in the public eye.
Pupils from class P6/7 of the Gaelic section of Dingwall Primary school have been using their artistic talents to publicize the Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool.
Under the guidance of teacher Miss Rachel Urquhart, they have made posters about the pool.
The project has raised awareness of the pool with the pupils as well as the public. Mrs Tina MacLarty, who has been using the pool each week for the past year, has liaised with Miss Urquhart and arranged for the posters to be displayed in shops.
They are in a number of shops in Dingwall and in shops in villages from Dingwall to Ullapool.
All involved with the Puffin Pool would like to thank the pupils and Miss Urquhart together with all the shops who are displaying the posters.
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6 / 6Earlier this year the Board of the Puffin Pool launched an appeal to raise £60,000 to replace the air handling unit and other essential equipment and plant.
Having been open for over 20 years much of the equipment and plant is in need of upgrading or replacement.
Board members have been delighted with the support from people and businesses throughout the Highlands who have contributed to the fundraising appeal and it is hoped that the target will be reached later in the year.
Dr Helen Charley, pool board chairperson said: “It is wonderful that primary pupils have got involved to support and publicize the Pool.
It’s marvellous to have the posters in so many shops. We feel so thankful for all the support being received to raise the money to keep the pool going for at least another 20 years. It illustrates how valued the pool is by the people of the Highlands.”
The Puffin Pool was established in 1992 by Dr Malcolm Stevens, as a registered charity to provide hydrotherapy and physiotherapy services to the people in the Highlands.
It is in the grounds of Ross Memorial Hospital in Dingwall.
Hydrotherapy is recommended by doctors and physiotherapists to speed up rehabilitation after injuries and operations and as part of self-care for painful long term conditions.
People with many conditions and disabilities can benefit. Recovery from accidents or operations can be made easier. The Puffin Pool is designed and built around the needs of its users.
With dedicated parking, wheelchair friendly access and warm and accessible changing rooms, the facility is supervised by qualified Supervisors and lifeguards. Users with severe disabilities can attend with carers. It serves users of all ages.
The vast majority of the Pools income is from fundraising done at the Puffin Pool Charity Shop and the fees paid by users each time they attend.
Any readers wishing to support the Pool can donate to the appeal by going to http://www.puffinpool.co.uk and using the My Donate button or can pass donations into the staff at the Pool or the Puffin Pool shop, Tulloch Street, Dingwall.
