​Student Gum Control team tackle sticky problem

IT’S an unsavoury habit which has been the scourge of classrooms throughout the country for decades.

Now students at Ripon Grammar School are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the sticky problem of chewing gum on the underside of their desks, all in aid of a good cause.

Armed with scrapers and rubber gloves, a group of Year 8 pupils are asking teachers to donate to the school’s Charity Week fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, in return for prising the gunk from their classroom furniture.

They’ll also be asking students to guess the weight of their total gum collection to add to the amount raised for the charity which supports those affected by the neurological disease.

It was while chewing over ideas of what their form, 2B, could do to contribute to fundraising that pupils Maddy Cane and Jessica Glew came up with their Gum Control idea.Jess, 12, from Rainton, said: “It’s a disgusting habit and our form teacher Mrs Fell was so enthusiastic when we said we could get rid of it that we got organised and just got started.”

Some of the older desks in the school’s attic art studio, founded in Saxon times, date back to the Fifties.

Maddy, 12, from Dishforth, added: “There are 16 desks per classroom and so far we’ve done 35 desks, with ten more classrooms to do. It’s quite difficult, there’s a lot of it and some of it is really hard and old.

“But, while the work is a bit unpleasant, it’s strangely satisfying to see the progress we’ve made.”

Jess, who hopes they will raise up to £100 for their efforts, told how it had been particularly enjoyable working together as a team: “And we get such positive feedback from teachers and other staff.”

Headmaster Jonathan Webb praised the students: “Well done to form 2B for tackling what has been a sticky problem for the school since Wrigley’s started selling the stuff in England in the early 1900s.

“In the past, our caretakers had a go at it when we were refurbishing some classrooms and it had to be chiselled off. Some of it may belong to past pupils going back to the Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and beyond.

“Those Old Rips who do remember leaving their chewing gum behind are very welcome to come and view our collection – and donate to this very worthy cause!”

Form teacher Judi Fell said she was delighted when the girls came up with the idea after a form time discussion on the true meaning of charity: “Charity isn’t simply about giving money to be entertained, it’s actually about helping others, so I was delighted.

“I am so proud of how these students - along with others in the form who are doing cleaning and housework at home for donations - have embraced the true meaning of charity, contributing their time and energy into making things better for others. The money they raise for Parkinson’s UK is an added bonus.”

Other teachers have also been full of praise, with head of English Ollie Johnson telling the girls: “Well done for leading such an excellent Charity Week initiative. Please come and help us fight the scourge of chewing gum in the English department. We pay top dollar!"

Another teacher, Patrick Barber, added: “This is the best idea I have seen since I have been at the school.”

Jess and Maddy, pictured second right and third right in top photo, with some of their team. Esme Fearnley, pictured with the bag of gum

*You can donate here (please mention Gum Control)