School ball raises £7,000 towards new playground

A PRIMARY school in Henley raised £7,000 towards a new playground thanks to a black-tie ball.

About 100 people attended the dance at Badgemore Park Golf Club on Saturday night, which was organised by Valley Road School’s parent-teacher association.

The guests enjoyed a two-course dinner and a true or false quiz featuring facts about the school’s teachers.

There was also an auction with prizes including a Marloe Watch Company watch, a stay in the Cotswolds courtesy of Honeycomb Houses, two nights at the Flowerpot Hotel in Aston, a round of golf at Badgemore and a case of wine from Glenhurst Mechanical Services. The dance music was provided by the band Dirtbag, featuring school parent Danny Fraifeld on drums.

The organising committee comprised Gemma Gove, Katie Campbell, Sarah Haynes, Cathy Bentley, Victoria Montgomery and Natalie Postlethwaite.

Mrs Montgomery said: “We were thrilled that so many parents got involved and attended the ball.

“Valley Road School is a wonderful little community and it was great to see so many parents in their glad rags letting their hair down.

“Not only was the evening a lot of fun but we also raised a whopping £7,000, which by far surpassed our expectations. We had some very generous bidders in our auction and also super support from our sponsors.”

The sponsors were Verallo, THP Solicitors, Manning UK, Marloe Watch Company and Philip Booth Esq estate agents.

Ms Bentley, whose three sons have attended the school, said: “It really feels like the end of a fabulous era. The ball was the perfect way to celebrate our time at the school and to help boost funds for the next generation.”

The school’s current playground is more than 50 years old. It is hoped to have the new one in place in time for the start of the next academic year in September. Other fundraising events include an Easter egg hunt, an auction of promises and a summer fair. The target is £20,000.

Later in the spring the school will hold a Valley Road DIY SOS, where the community is invited to give the primary a makeover. This will involve painting fences, upgrading lockers and replacing flooring.

About 20 parents have already signed up but the PTA would like to hear from any tradesmen who may be able to help with materials, equipment or their time as well as anyone who would like to be involved. For more information, email valleyroadpta@gmail.com

• More pictures from the ball will be published in Picture This in next week’s Henley Standard.