Funeral directors help Millbrook pupils’ secret garden bloom

Children at Millbrook Infant and Primary School are set to benefit from an inspiring new outdoor learning space thanks to a £1,000 donation from Elizabeth Way & Company Funeral Directors.

The donation will help transform the school’s much-loved “secret garden”, a tucked-away green space at the Carbrook, Stalybridge school where pupils learn through play, explore nature and develop an appreciation for wildlife.

The funding comes through Elizabeth Way & Company’s Community Assistance Programme, which has been supporting local charities and good causes for the past two years. To date, the initiative has donated an impressive £6,000 to projects across the local community.

Plans for the garden’s transformation are already underway and include the addition of a new chicken coop and a ‘grow your own’ vegetable patch. These features will give children hands-on opportunities to care for animals and learn where their food comes from, from seed to plate.

Already a haven for birds, insects and other local wildlife, the garden provides a calm and safe environment for young learners. With new planting and features planned for spring, excitement is building among pupils, staff and families alike.

The cheque was presented by Ben McCutcheon, Funeral Director at Elizabeth Way & Company, to Sophie Davies, an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teacher at Millbrook Infant and Primary School. The presentation was made extra special with the appearance of Elizabeth Way’s community mascot, a cuddly toy chicken named Lady Victoria Peckem.

Ben said: “We’re passionate about helping our community grow – in every sense. The secret garden is a wonderful resource for the children, and we can’t wait to revisit in late spring and summer to see how it blossoms into a lively space full of plants and flowers and, of course, see how the chickens are doing!”

Sophie added: “Outdoor learning plays such an important role in giving children confidence, curiosity and skills for life. This support from Elizabeth Way & Company means we can bring our plans to life far sooner than expected. We are truly grateful.”

Lady Peckham