Broadcast veteran’s gift delights Angmering School

Judith Chalmers pictured at The Angmering School, opening a new charity mini bus PHOTO: Sam Stephenson

On Friday Judith Chalmers, the former host of Wish You Were Here, presented The Angmering School with a new minibus specially equipped to transport youngsters from the school’s Lavinia Norfolk Centre.

Mrs Chalmers admitted she was immensely impressed by the school and the Lavinia Norfolk Centre, which caters for a range of disabled students.

She said: “I think it’s an incredible example of everything that’s good about a school.

“It’s inclusive culture of having all the students, including those with special needs, studying and playing together is really special.

“The best thing about today was seeing the faces of the children who will benefit from having the bus, and knowing that we’ve managed to enhance the level freedom to their lives.”

The new minibus was supplied by The Lady Taverners charity, which Mrs Chalmers is the president emeritus of, with much of the fundraising coming from luxury cruise line Seabourn, which has close links to both the Lady Taverners and Mrs Chalmers.

The 16-seater vehicle will be able to carry up to four wheelchair users to various educational or sporting events across the county.

It comes after the school last week sent two teams up to Sheffield to compete in the National Championships of the Lord’s Taverners & Schools Final, with the senior team winning in the boccia final against Scotland.

David Brixey, Angmering’s head teacher, said: “We are very grateful to the Lady Taverners and to Seabourn UK for their continued support, and this minibus especially.

“We have an extensive sport and extra-curricular programme for our students with disabilities, and the adapted transport is crucial to its success.

“We are also grateful for our local support, and to the students and staff of our school who have helped with the fundraising.”

The minibus will go into service immediately.

The Lady Taverners is part of the Lord’s Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. Its aim is to give disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance.