A convenience store manager returned to his old school to hand over a cheque for more than £1,300.
Karl Vyse is manager of Tamworth Co-op’s store in Polesworth and the money was raised from his customers generously handing over the dividends they had earned on their purchases.
Karl Vyse, manager of Tamworth Co-op’s convenience store in Polesworth, presents the cheque to head teacher Christopher Mansell. Some of the pupils who will benefit from the money are also pictured celebrating with Alison Dimbleby, treasurer of the parent teacher association.
The cash, from the Tamworth Co-op Community Dividend Fund, will enable Nethersole C of E Academy at Polesworth to revamp a playground.
Mr Vyse said it was fantastic to be back on such a warm errand.
“We ask our customers every year to donate their dividends to a worthy, local organisation. I came here when the school first opened and it’s great to see it thriving. I’m delighted that our customers did their bit to support the activities here.”
Head teacher Christopher Mansell said the school owed a big thankyou to the Tamworth Co-op and its shoppers, including parents, who gave up their dividends to raise a total of £1,352.
“We would struggle to get the money to do what we want to do with the playground. It would take years to achieve. This donation means the children can benefit straightaway. So we really are grateful.”
Alison Dimbleby, treasurer of the parent teacher association, said: “We want to create different games areas and paint the fence a bright colour, as well as put down some new tarmac and playground equipment which the older children can enjoy.”
More than a dozen organisations in the Tamworth Co-op trading area are benefiting in 2017 from the Community Dividend Fund. Now in its eighth year, the fund has become a mainstay of the community. It distributes around £10,000 each year to good causes, including clubs, churches and charities, as well as schools.
The Tamworth Co-op trading area covers Staffordshire, along with parts of Warwickshire and Derbyshire.