This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
School community rallies round after heating oil stolen
03/02/2021
Thieves leave Great Tew primary school without heating after emptying oil tank
True community spirit overcame problems caused by thieves after the oil was stolen from a local primary school’s heating system. Parents at Great Tew Primary School rallied round to supply alternative heating and to raise money to replace the stolen fuel.
The school’s Head Teacher discovered the oil had been taken when she arrived to a very cold school on Monday morning. The large oil tank for the Victorian building’s heating system had only been filled just before Christmas.
To make matters worse, once a supply of oil arrived the boilers failed as air and debris from the empty tank had been pulled into the system. The repairs including the need for a replacement part, which had to be ordered.
One of the school’s parents began a fund-raising campaign to cover the costs of the stolen oil. Writing on the JustGiving page Steven Webster-edge said: “Like all charities, our little school has had its fundraising hit REALLY hard over the last year. This is the very last thing that we need let alone the impact that its had on the staff and children – already admirably keeping smiles on their faces.
“We are looking to replace our losses, secure our tank against future threats, cover the plumber and if by any crazy chance any is left we will pop it into our outdoor playground pot.”.
The amount raised quickly exceeded its £1,500 target.
Parents also rallied around to help heat the school whilst the boilers were out of action. One of the teachers explained to her class during an online lesson that she was very cold because the school had no heating. Very quickly parents started arriving with heaters to help lift the temperature.
Head Teacher Lucy Miles told us that the response locally had been wonderful. She said: “It’s been really nice the way people have responded in support and that’s a reflection of the school community. I think people have been slightly horrified by what’s happened and wanted to do something to help us.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam