Funeral Partners donates £1k to Millbrook school garden project

Funeral Partners-owned firm Elizabeth Way and Company has made a £1k donation to Millbrook Infant and Primary School in Carbrook, Stalybridge, as it aims to redevelop its on-site “secret garden”. 

The funding has been provided through the funeral home’s Community Assistance Programme, which supports local charities and community projects. The scheme has been credited for distributing £6k over the past two years.

The money will be used to renovate the school’s outdoor learning area, a small garden used by pupils for nature-based activities and play. Plans include installing a chicken coop and creating a vegetable patch to allow children to learn about food growing and caring for animals.

The garden is already home to birds, insects and other wildlife, and is used by staff as a calm learning environment for younger pupils. New planting and features are expected to be completed in time for spring.

Ben McCutcheon, funeral director at Elizabeth Way and Company, presented the cheque to Sophie Davies, an early years foundation stage teacher at the school.

McCutcheon said: “The secret garden is a valuable resource for the children, and we look forward to seeing how the project develops over the coming months.”

Davies added: “Outdoor learning plays an important role in helping children build confidence and curiosity.”

Elizabeth Way and Company also revealed that it plans to continue supporting community projects through the scheme during the new year.