Primary school pupils to enjoy a First Class education
ROLLING STOCK company Porterbrook has donated former Greater Anglia Mk.3b FO 11088 for use as a student teaching facility at Richardson Endowed Primary School in Smalley, Derbyshire. Industry partners came together to help ensure the coach could be suitably installed at the school, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary.
The coach will provide a library and break-out area, as well as additional learning space, with much of the First Class seating in the vehicle retained. The project to convert and relocate the coach for its new role has seen a number of companies collaborate with Porterbrook to ensure that it could be handed over to the school on May 13, after a platform had been built alongside it, so it can be accessed by staff and pupils. Work on internal modifications were carried out by Alstom at Derby Litchurch Lane, while Network Rail teams from the East Midlands prepared the ground and laid track for the coach to be sited. Eco-product supplier Plaswood, transport provider GXO, Nemesis Rail, fencing provider Secure-afield, rail graphic specialists Charles Rayner, Derby Sign and Graphics, Clarke Engineering Services, plant hire company Aggrecom, and furniture specialists Martin & Parker have all also contributed products, services or donations towards the project.
Porterbrook chief executive officer Mary Grant said: “I am delighted that Porterbrook and our industry partners have come together to make this project happen.
“I am particularly pleased that carriage 11088 has found a new home in Smalley, just miles from where she was built at Litchurch Lane works, in Derby.
“It is fitting that this retired vehicle will now have a new lease of life, telling the story of our railways and enthusing future generations about STEM subjects and how Britain’s railway makes travel sustainable.” Richardson Endowed Primary School headteacher Kate Mason said: “This last year marks the 300th anniversary of our school, so it feels fitting to celebrate a major milestone with this incredibly exciting project. I know our children will be delighted with this carriage.
“Being the first female headteacher in the school’s 300-year history, it has long been a passion of mine to provide the children at Richardson Endowed a unique and inspirational learning space.
“Seeing that dream become a reality is amazing and it is thanks to wonderful and supportive companies which are enabling this major project to happen.”