14 Oct 2020

Carlisle school staff room transformed

Generous colleagues from Electricity North West volunteered more than 40 hours to help transform a school’s staff room.

Fifteen engineers from the firm’s Carlisle depot teamed up with Carlisle Vineyard Church’s Give a Day to the City project to help carry out the transformation at Petteril Bank Community School.

Engineers helped clear the dated room by removing the kitchen and other pieces of furniture allowing it to become a blank canvas before a new kitchen facility and furniture was installed.

Colleagues also helped repair a leaking outdoor hut before repositioning it and making it useable again as well as tidying a play area to help create more space.

Jo Crinson, Electricity North West’s head of customer contact and who helped head up the project, said: “We’re really pleased with the outcome of the new staff room and outdoor area.

“The room definitely needed some TLC and I’m delighted a number of Electricity North West colleagues could lend a helping hand and ensure the transformation took place.

“Most of the staff had no idea it was taking place so when they saw the new facility, the look on their faces was priceless.”

The scheme was selected because it resonated with our colleagues in the North who wanted to support this amazing school in their area, and staff took advantage of volunteering days to lend a helping hand.

As well as Electricity North West volunteers, teams from Network Plus, Johnstone’s Paint and Howdens also helped with the transformation.

Joseph Askew, headteacher at Petteril Bank Community School, added: “The projects completed around the school are fantastic.

“I am so heartened and by the generosity extended to us by our new friends in the city, we were approached by the Give a Day to the City team and asked what would make a difference and the transformation really has.

“Volunteers from all three firms worked tirelessly and I cannot thank them all enough.”

Carlisle Vineyard Church first started its Give a Day to the City project back in 2016.

The scheme is headed up by Andy Fearon who has helped make many dreams become a reality in the city.

“I can’t thank the volunteers at Electricity North West enough,” he said.

“Without them, this project wouldn’t have been possible, dedicated teams were there each day clearing the sites indoors and outdoors.

“A huge thanks to Howden’s who kindly donated a kitchen, Network Plus who donated the coffee machine and Johnston’s who donated the paint and Bruce and Luke the coffee and doughnuts.

“I’ve no doubt all the staff at Petteril Bank will love their new facility and the children can safely take advantage of the new outdoor space.”

Photo- Joseph Askew, headteacher at Petteril Bank Community School