Friends of Chapel Green School was registered as a charity in 1974 and supported the old Chapel Road School until it moved to its present site in Old Buckenham just over two years ago. As you are probably aware the school is for children with very complex needs aged from 3 to 19 years old and since opening the number of pupils has increased from 60 to over 100.
The Friends is comprised of parents, local people and teaching staff and its object has remained unchanged over the years: "To advance the education and well being of the pupils at the school by raising funds to purchase and assist with facilities not normally provided by the local education authority."
They have been supported by, and are grateful to, local organisations and businesses. Individuals have run marathons, climbed mountains, shaved heads and cycled miles. They have also been fortunate to have received bequests. As they are a charity they are able to obtain Gift Aid on donations.
What do they do? Two major purchases were the minibuses obtained with the help of the Variety Club and Lords Taverners. Contrary to some thoughts these are not free and in 2012 the Friends made a significant contribution to get these vehicles as well as buying their own minibus. Since moving to the new school they have purchased a variety of outdoor play and sports equipment, which are very expensive, with help from Wymondham Rotary and other donors.
The Friends also provided the start-up costs for the school’s Charity Shop in Attleborough, an important learning environment. There are also many smaller projects like Christmas and Leavers presents, servicing the minibuses and things to make a difference for a single child to a whole class.
The latest fund raising is to provide the deposit (about 25%) for an additional Variety Club minibus which is needed now there are more pupils. The school also needs to establish its gardening project and hope a recent application for a grant will be successful.
They have two major fund raising activities every year, these being their Christmas Fayre and Summer Fete, the latter unfortunately will not happen this year due to Covid-19. It will mean a loss of important revenue, probably upwards of £1500, but The Friends can only hope that things will get better.
They always welcome new members who may have fresh ideas and added enthusiasm. For more information please contact John Goode at johnandpamela@btinternet.com
No comments:
Post a Comment