School launches extension appeal (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

School launches extension appeal

AN appeal to fund a much-needed extension has been launched by Lea and Garsdon School, Malmesbury.

The school, which serves Cleverton and Charlton, as well as Lea and Garsdon, aims to build four full size classrooms, with direct access to the toilets and the hall, with a disabled toilet and shower included. Full wheelchair access will also be created.

Chairman of governors, Gill Smith, said: "The total cost of the project is around £105,000, and we do believe that we are in with a good chance of getting grants for the majority of it.

"We are aiming to raise £18,000, which will be match-funded by the government. The problem is that if we don't start building by the end of the year, to complete in April 2003, we will lose some of the government funding."

Mrs Smith and head teacher Elisabeth Bowyer are presenting details of the fund-raising appeal at a public meeting on Thursday, January 31, at 7.30pm, in Charlton village hall.

Mrs Smith said: "We hope to present in more detail what we are doing to show the community. It is very much a community thing. "We want to give each year its own classroom."

Currently, the infant classes are in one large room, separated by book cases. The lower juniors are in what used to be a cloakroom. The school is embarking on an enhanced programme of events to raise money, and hopes to start building work in September.

Mrs Smith said: "This is an opportunity to take a step forward. "The school could be enhanced quite significantly."

If you would like to make a donation towards the project, call Lea and Garsdon School on 01666 823534, or call Gill Smith on 01666 826601.