Pupils and teachers from Red Hill Primary School in Bromley, part of The Pioneer Academy Trust, were very excited to welcome the arrival of Pascall the Red Hill Primary School bear recently.
Pascall, created by chainsaw sculptor Will Lee, is one of the newest additions to the Chislehurst Bear Trail. Pascall’s creation was funded by the Friends of Red Hill PTA (parent-teacher association) and Chislehurst Society.
Pascall is named after the Pascall Tile Works, previously located on Red Hill Primary’s site and the reason the road is called Red Hill. Pascall, who wears the Red Hill school jumper and carries a Red Hill book bag, looks out from the grass at the front of the school and can be seen by the whole community as they pass by on Red Hill.
Pascall’s Tile Works was located on the school site because the land the school sits on is made up of London Clay. In 1532, Pascall’s Tile Works supplied 6068 plain tiles to pave the King’s new hall and 4000 paving tiles for the King’s tennis court at Hampton Court. This is why Pascall the bear has been carved standing on a pile of bricks.
Many local residents have already taken photos of Pascall, including local councillor, Alison Stammers, who came up with the concept of the Bear Trail in Chislehurst.
Councillor Alison Stammers said:
“As voluntary chair of the Chislehurst Town Team, a few years ago I came up with the concept of a Bear Trail in Chislehurst to encourage footfall in the High Street and residents to explore our wonderful town. The inspiration came from the Boating Bears that the Friends of Chislehurst Recreation Ground had commissioned some years before.
“I was absolutely delighted that the Chislehurst Society wholly embraced the concept and helped it become a reality by funding it and producing a bear trail map. Since its original concept, the trail has grown and grown and I am absolutely thrilled to see Pascall join the trail. I hope he brings lots of smiles to people’s faces.”
Rebecca McManus, Head of School at Red Hill Primary School, said:
“Pascall has created quite a stir in the local community and our children love him already.
“We are very grateful to both the Chislehurst Society and the Friends of Red Hill PTA for providing the funding needed so that our children can enjoy this beautifully made sculpture.
“I must admit, I was like a child on Christmas morning when he arrived!”
Stanley, one of Red Hill Primary School’s Head Pupils, said:
“It’s amazing to have such a great bear character at our school.”
