News-Minibus donation helps County Durham school pupils connect with community

Villa Real School in Consett received a donation of £57,000 from the Mark Benevolent Fund for the vehicle, after the Mark Master Masons of Durham applied for the funding on its behalf.

Villa Real is a mixed day school for children and young people aged from two to 19 who have severe, profound, medical and complex learning difficulties, with some pupils also living with autism spectrum disorder or Cerebral Palsy.

The school's previous minibus had reached the end of its life and the cost of replacing it was significant due to the special adaptations needed.

This prompted the Mark Master Masons of Durham to apply to the organisation's national fund, which aims to provide rapid assistance to worthy causes.

Enriching activities 

Jill Bowes, headteacher at Villa Real School, said: "The minibus enables pupils with complex learning difficulties and limited mobility to attend enrichment activities and integrate into our communities in ways that would otherwise be impossible. This includes taking part in volunteering and social action projects that help to boost their confidence.

"We're very grateful to our local freemasons and the Mark Benevolent Fund for covering the cost of our new minibus."

Happy to help

Members of the Mark Masons of Durham were joined by Graeme Hutchinson, of the Mark Benevolent Fund, at an official presentation event at the school.

Graeme said: "After assessing the application and learning about the positive difference the minibus would make, we were only too happy to help. The presentation of this minibus has been possible due to the amazing and continual support and donations of the Mark Masons."

Durham Mark Provincial Grand Master, David Hanson, added: "This new minibus will allow pupils to get out and about and make many happy memories. We are proud to have played a part in securing this much-needed vehicle for the school."