A HOLIDAY chalet owned by a school for disabled young people has been given a much-needed refurbishment by members of the community.

 

The chalet in Rockley Park, Poole, was donated to Victoria Education Centre by John Grooms and The Shaftesbury Society nine years ago.

 

Over the years, due to a lack of funds, the chalet deteriorated and required refurbishment both inside and out so students and their families could have a place to spend quality time together.

 

On hearing about the chalet, Sue Hurd, a volunteer at the school, decided to take on the project of refurbishing it.

 

Sue, who is a director of a local property development company, along with business partner Nathan Pike, approached numerous local businesses, tradespeople and multi-national companies to donate materials, or their time, to help make the holiday chalet a welcome retreat for families.

 

She said the response from volunteers had been "amazing".

 

"The incredible generosity, support and kindness shown from businesses, the trade, friends, and even complete strangers, throughout this project has truly been overwhelming.

 

"Chalet owners at the park have also approached me with generous donations and their offer of support, and we really cannot thank everyone enough."

 

She continued: "This has been a strong community-spirited project that has been a privilege to be part of. The huge effort and sacrifice of people who have given up their weekends and evenings to help with the refurbishment has been quite astounding.

 

"Individuals have been making curtains, upholstering furniture, and someone has even offered to take all the rubbish away.

 

"We are so very grateful for all the support received."

 

Sue said the schoolchildren were "so excited" that, once again, the chalet will be somewhere they and their families can spend quality time together in the surroundings of Rockley Park.

 

Lord Shaftesbury, a patron of the school, will be attending a grand opening of the chalet on Tuesday, May 16.