Friends of St John’s Chapel Primary School have been given a welcome boost thanks to a successful Community Grant application to Lakes & Dales Co-operative.
The £500 Community Grant will enable the group to renovate the school’s community garden, which opened in 2002, and required much needed improvements to the area which is used to host outdoor learning, community activities and a safe recreational area.
Lakes & Dales Co-operative was formed following the merger between Penrith Co-operative and Edinburgh-based Scotmid Co-operative towards the end of 2013.
Groups and charities which operate or are based in communities served by a Lakes & Dales Co-operative store, are welcome to apply to the Community Grant Fund, which each year supports hundreds of community groups and charities across the North of England and Scotland.
The Friends of St John’s Chapel Primary School was set up in 1999 to support the school through fundraising activities, while another aim is to organise social events that will be valued by the local community.
It has gained charitable status which is an advantage in fundraising, especially when writing bids to the various trusts and other funding groups. It has an open membership with anyone welcome to attend meetings that are usually held in the school. There is an AGM held each June.
In order to complete the garden renovation, the Friends of St John’s Chapel Primary School would appreciate some extra help from parents, the community and from local businesses.
Some examples of work required are relaying block paving, repairs to drystone walling, repairs to the greenhouse and the brickwork on the raised beds, donations of bark chippings and plants would also be gratefully received.
Anne Oliphant, Secretary of Friends of St John’s Chapel Primary School, said: “The Friends were delighted to receive the grant from Lakes & Dales Co-operative, it will get our garden improvements off to a flying start.
“We will be calling on families, community and local businesses for their help with donations of resources, expertise and time.
“Work will be carried out during organised work parties over a number of weeks commencing after the Easter holiday. We hope to organise a barbeque night when the work has been completed to reward the hard work of all involved.
Katie Kipling, Membership & Community Officer for Lakes & Dales, said: “The Lakes & Dales Co-operative family is delighted to award the Friends of St Johns Chapel School with this much needed funding which will see the community garden returned to its former glory.
“As a co-operative, we have a duty to support our local communities and our Community Grant fund is just one way in which we do this.
“Being at the heart of our communities is paramount to Lakes & Dales Co-operative and seeing how each grant can really make a large difference is something we are exceptionally proud of.”
Further information about Lakes & Dales Co-operative and the Community Grant programme can be found at www.lakesanddales.coop
If anyone would like to lend a hand in restoring the community garden please contact St John’s Chapel Primary School by phone: 01388 537332 or email: stjohnschapel@durhamlearning.net