Petty Pool celebrates the opening of Lily’s Place, a serene area surrounded by nature, dedicated to the memory of Lily Quinn.
On Tuesday, January 14th, Petty Pool staff, learners, and our guests came together at the college to celebrate the opening of Lily’s Place. This new space is designed to serve our learners and honour the memory of one of our own, Lily Quinn. Following its official opening, Lily’s Place will provide comfort and support to learners and staff, offering a peaceful retreat for reflection and quiet.
Beach Tennis Club: A Pillar of Support
In the journey to bring Lily’s Place to life, one of the most significant sources of support has been the Beach Tennis Club. Their generous contributions and unwavering belief in our mission have been vital for making this project a reality. Gareth Edwards, Vice-Principal at Petty Pool, expressed during his speech, “Without your (Beach Tennis Club) generous donation and incredible support, Lily’s place wouldn’t exist. (…) This building will stand for years to come, impacting thousands of young people. Your kindness will forever be a part of this space.”
“Your (Beach Tennis Club) kindness will forever be a part of this space”
Gareth Edwards, Vice-Principal, Petty Pool
Derek from the Beach Tennis Club beautifully captured the spirit of this initiative during the ceremony, describing it as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our learners. The club’s generosity and dedication have been instrumental in transforming the vision of Lily’s Place into a reality. This collaboration exemplifies how local organisations can use their resources and influence to create lasting positive change.
Remembering Lily Quinn
Naming this quiet space after Lily was a heartfelt decision that resonates deeply with everyone involved in the project and her memory shines brightly within this special space. This new place in the college honours her legacy, reflecting the joy and compassion she shared with us all.
Lily was renowned for her joyful laughter and quick sense of humour, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her zest for life—whether she was sharing a good joke or supporting her friends—resonated throughout the college. From whipping up delicious treats in the canteen to discussing her favourite band, One Direction, Lily’s warmth and generosity touched many lives. As Wendy Bowyer, Principal at Petty Pool College, remarked, “She (Lily) touched a place in all our hearts.”
Staff that have worked so closely with her and who wanted to honour her memory have stated: “Lily has a laugh that was infectious once she started laughing it was hard not to join in with her. Lily had such quick wit and would always come out with one liners which would make us all laugh. Throughout her time at Petty Pool, Lily enjoyed working in the canteen and the Little Brew Station. She enjoyed making things in class, once she made a swiss roll and every time we went to roll it it kept falling apart she could not stop laughing. Lily liked to boss people around in the kitchen and was always making sure her friends were pulling their weight , usually with a quick remark that would have us in stitches. Whenever we went off site, Lily was always so thoughtful and would always come home with a present for her Mum. She was such a kind and caring person. She also enjoyed making us run up the hill with her in her wheelchair and often laugh at us when we were at the top out of breath.”
“Lily has a laugh that was infectious. Once she started laughing it was hard not to join in with her. (…) Lily made a huge impact at her time of college.”
Petty Pool Staff who worked closely with Lily Quinn
“Lily made a huge impact at her time of college. Her love for all things One Direction (often calling herself after a band member when we were doing quizzes), Warrington Wolves (she loved her hat and scarf) and wrestling made her a unique and special young lady. I often enjoyed getting the latest wrestling news from her. Lily will be sadly missed and all those she knew she will have touched a place in all our heart. ”
A Great Milestone for Petty Pool
The grand opening of Lily’s Place marks an exciting new chapter for Petty Pool. The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration, filled with gratitude for everyone who attended, especially Lily’s mother, Emma, and the dedicated college staff who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. This space, born from love and collaboration, stands as a testament to the strength of our community and the transformative power of education.
As we cut the ribbon, cheers and applause filled the air, symbolising not just an opening, but a celebration of life and love. Lily’s Place is now open, a calm environment to help our learners thrive.
Lily’s Place will undoubtedly become a cherished haven for reflection and growth, continuing to touch lives and inspire hearts for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable day. Your presence and support made it truly unforgettable!
A special thank you to:
- Beach Tennis Club
- Barclays Deepening Relationships Team
- Our Estates Team
- Our Unwavering Staff
- Lily’s Mum
- K & P Joinery