A lesson they won’t forget!

A group of VIPs – Very Important Pupils – were invited to be part of the first school visit to go inside Jumbo water tower.

The youngsters from North Primary School were taking part in Jumbo Summer, a series of events to celebrate the building, which will have been open for 140 years in 2023.

The youngsters loved learning about Colchester’s industrial and social history, the public health emergency that prompted the tower’s construction, the site’s sustainability, and the ecology it supports, including the peregrine falcons and pigeons. Once inside the huge water tank, the children had plenty of ideas for the future of Jumbo, including an art gallery, restaurant, water feature and a “pigeon paradise”. They illustrated their ideas with chalk drawings on the floor of the tank.

Headteacher Alan Garnett said the pupils also enjoyed being able to see their school from the Grade ll* listed building. He added:

“The children were thrilled and honoured to be the first schoolchildren to enter the water tank. It was the first of many memorable experiences I hope as the children of North engage with the charity as they begin the exciting work to renovate and transform Jumbo. I can’t wait to see it as a wonderful cultural and historical landmark being enjoyed by the people of Colchester and visitors from around the world.”