School memorial garden opened in memory of Shirley Curnick

26 September 2025

Colleagues gathered at Palmerston Primary School this week for the unveiling of the brand-new garden in memory of Shirley Curnick, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Shirley, a cherished kitchen assistant at the school, was known for her tireless commitment and care for the pupils she fed over a career spanning more than 45 years.

Shirley took pride in knowing all pupils by name, their likes and dislikes, dietary needs and regularly took part in other school activities - including a trip to watch the Lion King in London.

Graeme Jones, Deputy Head at Palmerston, had a vision for an unused area of grass at the side of the school building, and with the help of grant funding through Keep Wales Tidy, the school was able to purchase materials – including a shed, a bench, shrubs and plants along with lots of other gardening tools - and set up a Gardening Club for learners to transform the area.

Following Shirley’s passing, it was decided that the new garden would be dedicated in her memory with the addition of some purple plants – Shirley’s favourite colour – and a plaque on a new garden bench, standing as a permanent space to be used for remembrance and reflection.