Village ‘raises a cup of tea to Bel’ with charity events
A STAFFORDSHIRE Moorlands village remembered a much loved resident at its annual fundraising charity coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Children from Hartington C of E Primary School and members of the local community enjoyed a special Macmillan afternoon tea on Friday, September 25, in memory of Bel Kerr, who organised coffee mornings in aid of the cancer charity for many years.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, school staff and children were unable to invite parents and local residents to join them for the traditional coffee morning, so they came up with a plan to host a virtual event.
Invitations were sent out to more than 60 residents in the community, with a box including a cake, teabag, milk and sugar. The cakes were baked by Anne Stubbs, the school’s catering manager, before being distributed in boxes around the village by local volunteers. The ringing of the old bell at the school saw lessons stop at 2.45pm so that children could sit in the hall to enjoy their cake and hot drink or juice, while remembering Bel and discussing how important Macmillan is, not just to the village, but in lots of other communities around the country.
To raise even more funds for charity, older school children took part in a sponsored spellathon and a times table challenge, while the early years children participated in sport and games activities.
Charlotte, a year six pupil at the school, said: “This year it was even more special as Bel, who was well known in the village for hosting this event for many years, has sadly passed away and will be missed by all who knew her. So at the same time during the charity day, the school and community raised a cup of tea to Bel.”
Headteacher Tracy Blackwell added: “The school would like to thank everyone who supported the charity event and for their donations, which are still coming in. The whole school really enjoyed taking part in this event alongside the community, even though we were unable to open our doors to them. I am proud to say that the current circumstances haven’t stifled the creative flow of the children and their eagerness to help others.”
Hartington resident John Dean said: “Most of us remember Mrs Kerr, who for many years raised funds for the Macmillan charity. Every pupil in the school should be proud of their efforts to raise money, which all goes to support finding a cure for cancer and looking after individuals with this disease. Well done to you all.”
To donate to the charity, make cheques payable to Macmillan Cancer Support and either deliver to the school on The Dale, or the Post Office at the Beresford Tea Rooms. You can also donate online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hartingtoncofe-primary-school.