As we reflect on the outstanding achievements of our students over the past few months, we are particularly proud of Lewis, a talented carpentry student at Bucks College Group, who led a remarkable restoration project for The Horse Trust. The project began when our college approached the charity, offering to restore their 1930s hay wagon — an important relic from the sanctuary’s history that had suffered years of wear and tear.
The hay wagon originally arrived at The Horse Trust in the early 2000s, along with Shire horses Rosie, Jim, and Triffin, after decades of serving in horse-powered agriculture. Back in its 'hayday’, the wagon played a vital role in transporting hay to feed the working horses. Over the years, as modern equipment replaced horse-drawn vehicles, the wagon became a cherished symbol of the past but had fallen into significant disrepair. Recognising the potential for a meaningful student project, we saw this as the perfect opportunity for Lewis to apply his woodworking skills to a real-world challenge.
Lewis dedicated several months to the meticulous restoration, carefully preserving the wagon’s historical features while restoring it to a fully functional state. From reinforcing its structure to restoring woodwork details, Lewis’s craftsmanship and attention to detail brought the wagon back to life. His hard work paid off when the restored hay wagon was unveiled just in time for the festivities at The Horse Trust’s annual Horses, Hounds, and Heroes event. During the event’s finale, the wagon took centre stage as CEO Jeanette used it as a platform to share stories of the sanctuary’s resident horses.
This project not only highlighted Lewis’s exceptional skills and dedication but also demonstrated the crucial role vocational education plays in preserving historical artefacts. It provided Lewis with an invaluable opportunity to apply his learning to a hands-on, community-focused project, underscoring the importance of practical experience in education. The finished product is a lasting testament to his craftsmanship and the positive impact our students can have on their community.
We are incredibly proud of Lewis’s hard work and the difference his efforts have made to The Horse Trust, and we look forward to more opportunities for our students to showcase their talents in future projects.
