Charing Crematorium supports growing village school

A rapidly-growing village primary school has been given a helping hand through a £3,500 donation from Charing Crematorium.

The crematorium gave Charing CE Primary School the donation from money raised through its metal recycling scheme.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any money raised is used to support charities and other worthy causes in the communities surrounding every crematorium and cemetery which are part of Westerleigh Group.

Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Charing Crematorium site manager James Brown said: “Both my children attend the school, so it’s an important place to me personally, but more than that, this donation is about us reaching out to the local community and making a positive difference.

“The village is growing fast and lots of new families are coming to the area, many of whom don’t know anything about us, so I want them to be aware that Charing Crematorium is here and is a part of the community.

“The school is going through a period of great expansion. In the last three years, the number of pupils on the register has grown from 89 to 134.

“A pre-school class and two new classrooms have been introduced this year, ahead of the 150th anniversary of the school, which will be celebrated in January 2023.

“This rapid growth means the school needs funds to help equip the new classrooms, as well as sports kits and equipment for the recently-introduced forest school.

“At a time when so many families are struggling financially, we believe all children at the school should be given opportunities they might otherwise miss out on.

“I know that our donation was very gratefully received and it’s an honour to be able to do our bit to support another very important member of the local community.”