St Joseph’s school hall is sometimes reminiscent of Julia Donaldson’s “A Squash & A Squeeze”, as I’m sure those who have attended one of the many wonderfully crafted assemblies or school productions can attest. However, unlike the story, the happy ending for St Joseph’s is still being written. The PTFA, Staff and Governors, are embarked on a quest to raise £67,500, as seed money for a bid to build a new school hall. The new school hall will:

• provide the space our children need and deserve (the current hall is 58% the minimum recommended size!),

• resolve health and safety issues with the current hall,

• enhance education, especially in subjects such as PE and drama,

• enhance events such as assemblies and school productions,

• increase capacity for breakfast and after school clubs,

• provide a new facility for hire by the local community,

• generate supplemental income streams to strengthen the school’s financial stability.

To support these efforts, I am running the 26-mile London Marathon, on 3 October, and would be very grateful if you can sponsor me, whatever you can afford, no matter the amount. All donations will go to the PTFA’s ring-fenced fund for the new school hall and every little helps.

As a parent and governor, I am as passionate as any parent about the facilities and built environment at St Joseph’s, and would love to see the vision of the new school hall realised, before my youngest Edward leaves the school. Thank you for your support.