Telford youth group donates cash to local school
A Telford youth group which was forced to disband due to staffing issues has given its leftover cash to a local school.
Aqueduct Youth Engagement Group was set up in June 2008 in partnership with Aqueduct School, Dawley Hamlets Parish Council and Wrekin Housing Trust following complaints of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The group, which comprised of a number of 11 to 16-year-olds, set about “cleaning up” Aqueduct, in a bid to make the area a better place to live.
In a bid to bolster the group, members took part in their own fundraising including taking part in bag packing at local supermarkets and other fundraising initiatives.
Thousands of pounds were raised, which went towards funding the group’s existence for two years.
However, the group was forced to fold in December 2010 due to staffing issues, which left surplus cash from their fundraising efforts.
Following a succession of meetings the group decided to donate their leftover cash to Aqueduct Primary School to pay for some projects, including an outdoor gardening project and to purchase some ICT equipment.
Community Support Officer Sarah Robinson, who helped to initially set up the group, said: “When the group folded it had just over £3,500 in its account. Most of this was returned to donors but £1,335 was surplus from fundraising schemes organised by the group. The group collectively decided to donate this money to Aqueduct Primary School.
“With this money the school have used it towards outdoor projects within the school grounds such as allotments. They have also bought some new ICT equipment.
“It is very sad that the group folded because they achieved a lot during the two years they were up and running.
“The legacy of the group will live on in the equipment the money has paid for at Aqueduct Primary School.”
Head of Aqueduct Primary School Mark Wadhams said: “It was such a shame that the Aqueduct Youth Engagement Group had to disband as they had worked hard to make improvements to the local area. We felt extremely proud that some of our pupils were involved with the group during the two years it was running.
“I would like to thank everyone involved, on behalf of the pupils at Aqueduct Primary School, for the donation of the leftover funds. It has helped us to purchase equipment for our allotment project as well as some much needed ICT equipment.”
Martin Goldstraw, Clerk to Dawley Hamlets Parish Council, said: “The group had been extremely successful and had seen the achievement of many community initiatives.
“The Parish Council would like to thank CSO Robinson for her many hours of dedication to this voluntary post. It has been a pleasure to work with CSO Robinson and all of the young people who gave their time to make this project a success.”
