We are matching funding towards the rebuilding of the farm school project at a total estimated cost of £550,000.

This to include a covered yard for animal handling and construction practice areas as well as construction of a new building. In total 471 square metres of buildings are going to be rebuilt and refurbished to make the farm a great facility for work, education and leisure.

The school farm provides a unique educational facility with hands on care for a variety of farm animals from pigs and sheep to ducks and chickens. Possibilities for the future include bee keeping and an apple press. The school also makes profits from sales from the farm which are re-invested in repairs, equipment and running costs.

The school is holding events and fundraisers such as car boot sales and open days to raise funds plus it is seeking grants and support from other sources. Each £ raised is matched by The Connolly Foundation which also provides professional advice regarding the building work. To keep an eye on the total visit http://www.stratton.beds.sch.uk/ and take a look at the fundraising thermometer.

"Our buildings are in a parlous state and I think it is fair to say that without the professional and financial help offered by The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation then a unique and valuable educational facility would be lost to generations of school students." - Steve Palmer, Deputy Head

Connolly Homes PLC Competition

Connolly Homes PLC, the 'trading arm' of The Connolly Foundation, ran a competition to find a new byline for it's corporate identity and for advertising purposes. The winning entry, selected by the Connolly Homes PLC sales ladies, was 'Great Location, Connolly's Location.'

The prize was a cheque for £500 donated to the School Farm Appeal; pictured below are (l - r) Madeline Russell, Chairman of the School Governors; Steve Palmer, Deputy Head and Michael Callanan of The Foundation and Connolly Homes handing over the cheque.

Specialist Schools Application

Stratton also received support towards their application for specialist schools status in Maths and Computing; the school achieved this status on 1st September 2007.

"We are very grateful for the financial support as without this our application would have been impossible." - Neil Bramwell, Headteacher

 

MEDIA

The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation (UK) Limited also assists beneficiaries of the Charity to maximise publicity for their particular projects by raising awareness through the media. Examples of this with Stratton are as follows: