Dear Sir,
I put pen to paper to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many people who so generously responded and helped-out when my recent laptop and tablet appeal was launched, in support of our local schools. When I wrote the article for the Newton News three weeks ago, I had no idea how the appeal would fair. I can confirm that the response was quite unbelievable. During the first 48 hours I was inundated with telephone calls and emails, with over twenty people contacting me. Thereafter, there’s been a steady stream of other people coming forward. I cannot speak highly enough of those who stepped forward to support the appeal. Their generosity has been fantastic.
My wife, Cllr. Wendy Hillary, and I, collected the laptops and tablets and together, we systematically worked through them, checking they worked and restoring them to their factory settings. We were most fortunate to have been offered additional support services, by Alan Jordan, Middridge Parish Clerk, who undertook work on some of the devices that had more complex technical issues, or were running older Windows operating systems.
I am pleased to advise that we’ve been able to donate 49 working laptops and tablets to our local primary schools. In doing so, we’ve been able to meet their immediate shortfall requirements, in support of their most at need children and families.
On 23rd January 2021, I wrote to our local MP, Mr Paul Howell, highlighting this important issue and asking him to pass on my concerns to the Minister for Education. My letter also asked that more devices be made available for our schools to support home learning. On 5th February 2021, I heard that the Department for Education has contacted our local schools, asking them to bid for additional devices and have since confirmed that these will be provided. This is great news, but means I am left with a number of surplus devices that been donated. In light of meeting the immediate needs of the schools and further devices being provided directly from central Government to our local schools, I have decided to close down my appeal.
I am aware that Rotary Newton Aycliffe recently made a similar appeal in parallel to my own, seeking laptops and tablets for schools, but covering a wider geographical area. I will ensure that the surplus devices do not go to waste and are donated to Rotary for their ongoing charitable efforts.
Thanks again to everyone who has helped this important appeal and to the Newton News for launching and supporting the appeal.
Yours most sincerely,
Cllr. Jed Hillary
