Long Mead School delighted with new minibus

Long Mead CP School was presented with a replacement minibus yesterday (Wednesday), following a remarkable series of events triggered by the theft of the school's previous minibus in January. The stolen vehicle has never been recovered and its loss was a severe blow to the school which uses this vital means of transport every day.

In response to the theft, an urgent fundraising campaign was launched to help replace the stolen vehicle. A pivotal moment in this effort occurred when a meeting was held between Lion President Phil Jesson, Lion Trevor Dalladay, and Mr. Trevor King, the owner of the Twice Recall transport group. After hearing about the school's plight, Mr. King made the incredible announcement that he would be donating a minibus to the school, complete with smart signwriting.

The donation was officially celebrated today at the school where members of the Tonbridge Lions Club, Tom Tugendhat MP, Deputy Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling BC Chris Brown and local governors, parents, and friends of Long Mead gathered to witness the delivery. Headteacher Karen Follows assembled the students in the school playground to see Mr. King drive the new minibus onto the grounds, greeted by loud applause and cheers from the excited children.

Short speeches were made by Mrs. Follows, Lion President Phil Jesson, and Tom Tugendhat, expressing gratitude for the generosity shown by Mr. King and the support of the community. To mark the occasion, the children were treated to ice creams, also generously provided by Trevor King.

The event was filmed by Meridian News, and the leading participants were interviewed. The new minibus will be pressed into use immediately when Mrs. Emma Dann will be driving the vehicle to transport pupils home after school today.

This generous donation will make a huge difference to the school community, allowing Long Mead CP School to continue providing essential transport for its pupils.