Stepping out to help fund arts centre

Pupils at Ashford’s Norton Knatchbull School are to take part in a special walk next week.

On the school’s Founders Day, Monday, May 22, Year 7 pupils will walk from the school on Hythe Road to Mersham Church to honour their founder, Sir Norton Knatchbull.

The annual event forms part of the fundraising campaign for a new creative arts centre at the school.

Five Mersham-based firms have joined to be corporate supporters for the event. They are Stafford Perkins, Cassidy’s, T Denne & Sons, Mersham Hatch Estate and The Farrier’s Arms.

Each pupil taking part in the 7.5 mile walk has been asked to raise £10 in sponsorship, with the aim of raising more than £2,500 in total for the campaign.

The Hon Michael-John Knatchbull, a descendant of Sir Norton Knatchbull and a foundation governor of the school, will also be supporting the event through Mersham Hatch Estate LLP.

He said: “I am so pleased that the Norton Knatchbull School is organising another March to Mersham to honour the memory of my ancestor Sir Norton Knatchbull, who founded the school in Ashford in 1630.”

Head teacher Susanne Staab said: “We are passionate about our campaign for a new Creative Arts Centre at NKS, which will give students the facilities they deserve in order to excel.

“The arts are of crucial importance to us as they provide our young people with opportunities for expression, contemplation and exploration.

“It is wonderful to see that our youngest students love celebrating our traditions whilst also wishing to contribute to our future.”

To sponsor pupils visit mydonate.bt.com/events/marchtomersham