[Q]ueen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith, has taken delivery of a new minibus this week, paid for entirely by students and their families.
The new Peugeot Boxer bus cost almost £30,000 and replaces a ten-year-old vehicle that was no longer fit for purpose. The Friends of QEGS have headed up the fundraising effort, which took two years. The entire school took part in two annual sponsored walks, which raised a total of some £18K. Other fundraising events included Christmas fairs, quiz nights and providing refreshments at school events.
Headteacher, Mr Paul Buckland, said: “QEGS uses its minibuses daily, taking students to sports fixtures, field work, competitions and educational visits – they are an essential part of our equipment. Many of the trips we make would be completely unviable if we had to hire a bus and a driver each time. Yet, in the current financial climate, it would be impossible for us to buy a new one without the tremendous effort of the Friends of QEGS and our school families and we are extremely grateful to them all.”
He added: “Alongside this, QEGS has maintained its traditional of charity work, supporting a range of charities including East Cumbria Family Support, Project Dream and the Alzheimers Society.”
