Chepstow Rotary donates books and furniture to Pembroke Primary School

CHEPSTOW and District Rotary Club has donated hundreds of books and new furniture to the library at Bulwark’s Pembroke Primary School, following the school’s appeal for support.

Chepstow Rotary set about sourcing children's books as well as floor cushions, stools and bean bags in calming neutral colours to create a comfortable space where children can enjoy reading.

The books were gathered from a wide range of generous supporters, including donations from national retailers and publishers such as Usborne and The Works in Merthyr Tydfil. Some books were also sourced from local charity shops and Monmouthshire Upcycle.

Guy Wilson, Rotary President of Chepstow and District, said: "This was such an important project for our club to support. The children were absolutely thrilled when we arrived with the books.

“Watching them excitedly unpacking the boxes and even arguing over which books they wanted to read first showed just how much this library means to them. Reading opens up a world of opportunity for young people, and we're delighted to have helped create a library that pupils can enjoy for many years to come."

Headteacher Mrs Wakely, Assistant Head Laura Mellens and pupils were on hand to help carry the deliveries into the school and unpack the many boxes.

The club has thanked everyone who contributed to the project, including Emma James, a parent at the school, whose knowledge and enthusiasm helped to select many of the books. She has also played a leading role in the local home education community. With funding previously provided by Chepstow Rotary, history workshops for home-educated children attracted more than 100 young people.

The success of those workshops encouraged families to organise further educational activities and secure additional funding.

Chepstow Rotary said it hopes its support for the school will encourage a lifelong love of reading and provide a valuable resource for pupils for many years to come.