Dike’s of Stalbridge donates £1,000 to local school

09/06/09

Stalbridge C of E Primary School was presented with 1,000 gold coins last Wednesday to kick start funding for the school’s swimming pool.

Dike & Son family-run superstore is raising money for the school through the sale of its environmentally-friendly reusable jute shopping bags.

Director Andy Dike, who has pledged £1 to the school for every bag sold, made the first payment to the school in the form of a thousand £1 coins – delivered, of course, in a Dike’s shopping bag.

Over the past year the school pool has been brightened up with a new paint job and jolly murals. Now head teacher Michael Allen wants to find ways to make the running of the pool more eco-friendly, including the possibility of using solar panels to heat the water.

He said: “We opened the pool after Easter and the children use it all summer term, as well as for after-school clubs. We are absolutely delighted that Dike’s supports our school – and the more bags they sell the more the children will benefit.”

The fairly-traded bags, which cost £3, are made in Bangladesh and shipped to England by boat, in order to reduce their carbon footprint. They are larger and sturdier than most, and can easily hold up to 20 kg (as tested out by Stalbridge Primary School pupils during a visit to the store last year).

Andy Dike said: “Our customers have been very supportive of our efforts to reduce plastic bag use while also raising money for our local school. There’s a long tradition of our family members attending the school and we are very pleased to be able to support them, especially in such an environmentally friendly way.”

Dike and Son, which is one of the largest independently owned supermarkets in the country, has a strong commitment to low food miles and supporting local food producers, as well as a comprehensive recycling policy.

ENDS

Picture shows:

CASH FLOAT: Dike & Son director Andy Dike presents Stalbridge Primary School head teacher Michael Allen (left) with one thousand £1 coins raised from selling their reusable jute bags. Year 5 swimmers Hollie Allen, Dylan Stockley, Sam Ball and Rachel James celebrate the huge boost to funds for the school pool.

For more information contact Adam Vincent, Dike & Son Store Manager on 01963 362204 or visit www.dikes-direct.co.uk

To contact Stalbridge Primary School call 01963 362487 or email office@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk