School to launch next phase of fundraising project

Richard Benyon's son Harry will land in a helicopter at Bradfield Church of England Primary School on Friday

A SON of Newbury MP Richard Benyon is to land in a helicopter at Bradfield Church of England Primary School on Friday to launch the second phase of fundraising to refurbish the Victorian village school.

The chopper is to land in the afternoon of the school's sports day and summer fete, after which Mr Benyon jr will join all 170 pupils on the playing field as they release balloons to mark the start of the appeal.

Mr Benyon is the grandson of Sir William and Lady Benyon, of Englefield House who are the patrons of the school's Primary Project and who launched the first phase of the appeal in 2008.

The first phase raised £195,000 towards the £1m target to build a new hall, library and kitchen which opened in January 2011.

And Friday sees the launch of the second phase, a £60,000 appeal towards the £350,000 cost of the next phase of refurbishing the school, which was built by the Benyon family in 1886.

The second phase will redevelop the old hall and kitchen area into a seventh classroom, a secure entrance, headteacher's study, office, medical room and disabled toilet.

A new infants' playground will also be created behind the new school hall.

The school has already been awarded £290,000 by Oxford Diocese for the project, but must raise £60,000 by the end of December.

Building work is due to begin next month (July) and will be finished by the end of this year.