Grateful thanks for donation in memory of loved caretaker

Pupils are to benefit after a primary school in Stalybridge was left a generous bequest in memory of a former caretaker.

Millbrook Primary School remained dear to the heart of former Tameside Council worker Brian Redford, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Brian worked at Millbrook from 1973 until his retirement in 1996.

After sorting out his estate, Brian’s sister Elvie has made several generous donations in his memory, including £5,000 to school funds and donations to the Tameside Scanner Appeal and the RNLI.

Millbrook is planning to spend the money on IT equipment, which is much-needed for online provision, especially during the current coronavirus restrictions. 

The Forest School has also planted a tree with a plaque in memory of their much-loved former caretaker.

Headteacher Elizabeth Turner said: “Brian was our caretaker for many years and is fondly remembered for all he did here. 

“Elvie has been incredibly generous with what she has been left and we will put the money to very good use in spending it on much-needed IT equipment for the children.

“We also wanted to do something to commemorate this amazing gesture so we planted a tree on behalf of Brian.”

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “It says much for Brian and his family that they have continued to help the school and that it has remained in their thoughts and I’m delighted that the pupils will benefit from their generosity with new IT equipment. 

“It’s also a lovely gesture to plant a tree in Brian’s honour so that his memory lives on at the school.”

Main image:

TRIBUTE: Pupils Faith and Yaqoub with the tree planted at Millbrook Primary School to remember Brian Redford.