Hunting the wren for school fundraiser

A SCHOOL fundraising committee was recently established in Broadford to raise funds for maintenance work at the local national school.

A SCHOOL fundraising committee was recently established in Broadford to raise funds for maintenance work at the local national school.
Comprising board of management members, staff and parents, the aim of the committee is to raise money to pay for the cost of providing new floors in two classrooms, as well as upgrading and extending the library at Broadford National School.
It is estimated that the work could cost between €8,000 and €10,000 and, unlike previous maintenance work, is not covered by the Department of Education following the removal of the minor works grant scheme as part of national spending cutbacks.
Depending on the scale of the works involved, the grant varied between €7,000 and €14,000.
A few years ago, the Department of Education covered the cost of refitting windows and doors at the school and also funded other maintenance works.
Broadford National School principal, Liam Patterson, said the removal of the minor works grant is a significant blow to the development and maintenance of small schools. He pointed out the needs of national schools are constantly changing.
The committee is planning a one-day fundraising event on December 26, starting with a sponsored Wren Boys Festive 5km fun run, walk, cycle with light refreshments afterwards for children and adults.
This will be followed by an evening Straw Boys Night at Danny’s Bar, Broadford, from 8pm. Music will be provided by well known local entertainer, John O’Regan.
Anyone who wishes to support these events can email the committee at broadfordnsclare@gmail.com or check out their facebook page, Broadford NS.
Meanwhile, boys in the ASD unit have been enjoying a horse-riding experience at Woodfield Equestrian Centre, Broadford. Over the last few weeks, the boys have groomed their horses, fed them and gone for a gallop.