On Thursday last week, brethren of Silverdale Lodge gathered at Silverdale Masonic Hall to present £500 to the “Fix the Roof” fundraising appeal for St. John’s C of E Primary School, based in the heart of Silverdale village. Headteacher Mrs Katie Walsh, and Chair of Governors Mr Jim Bennetts, with others from the school, were invited along to receive the donation.
Mr Bennetts, Chair of Governors said: “We are all hugely grateful for this very generous donation towards the appeal for the school roof. This really gladdens my heart. It is wonderful that a key village institution, with a philanthropic focus, joins with us in striving to do the best for the children and young people of our community. The children of Silverdale are our future. We stand together in a common cause. Thank you all so much.”
Mrs Walsh also sincerely thanked the brethren of Silverdale Lodge for their kind donation and said: “We currently have 78 children in the school (including our nursery), aged between 3 and 11 years old. Thank you all once again for your generous gift.”
Worshipful Master, Tony Dickinson, who made the presentation, said: “Freemasons are always happy to help where they can with local good causes, especially those that impact on children’s welfare.”
Silverdale School was built around 130 years ago and, along with St. John’s Church, was endowed by the Boddington brewing family, who at that time owned Cove House in the village as a country residence. Extensions to the original school building have flat roofs, which are in a bad state of repair and are leaking. The repair work will cost £130,000.
St. John’s Primary is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School. Running costs are paid by Lancashire County Council, but the Church of England owns the building. By longstanding agreement, the local community is called upon to raise 10% of costs relating to the building. The Parochial Church Council makes a contribution, as do the Ripley Trust and Friends of Silverdale School.
An appeal for contributions was launched in December last year. Mr Bennetts says; “The roofing job is a big one. We are beholden to all our friends in the village for the help, they can give us.”
Anyone who can help with a donation or by running an event is asked to contact Mr Bennetts on 01524 701265.
