Holy Trinity Primary School in Weymouth has been blessed with receiving a significant donation from the Holy Trinity Church in Weymouth to enable it to buy a brand new minibus for use by it’s pupils.
Rev Juliet Stephenson carried out a blessing ceremony and unveiling of the minibus on Monday 19 May. The donation has been possible due to a legacy that the church received some years ago from a gentleman called Sidney Groves.
The Sidney Groves fund was established to support the young people in the parish of Holy Trinity Weymouth and makes grants to individuals and organisations.
John Groves was a Brewer in Weymouth, a member of Holy Trinity Church and a generous benefactor. In 1897 his son, Sidney, who was an officer in the Weymouth Company of Rifles and the Gordon Boys’ Brigade died from pleurisy aged only 26. In his memory John decided to erect a building which was opened in 1900 as the Sidney Groves Memorial Hall.
Over the years it was used for roller skating, exhibitions, bingo and as a parish hall. When Holy Trinity School was severely damaged in a bombing raid in 1940, during World War 2 it was even used as a school. Sadly the building became a drain on church resources and was sold and subsequently demolished in 1987 and the site used for Asda supermarket. The money realised from the sale was used to establish the Sidney Groves Memorial Hall (Fund), which has made the grant to buy the minibus.
Assistant Headteacher Mrs Borries said “This is a fantastic legacy of the Sidney Groves Fund. It will allow current and future pupils to participate in activities outside of school, to build their cultural capital including sporting events, trips and visits both within & beyond Weymouth. This minibus will make a significant difference to all those who attend Holy Trinity Primary School and we are very grateful that Holy Trinity Church has enabled the school to benefit from this fund”
Reverend Juliet completed the ceremony by blessing holy water in the name of the Trinity and sprinkled this across the bus with a blessing, asking God to keep all of the drivers’ safe, all of the children safe and that everyone has the most amazing experience of days out, learning and privilege that they can have. Rev Juliet then cut the ribbon to unveil the bus and officially make it ready for use. The ceremony was attended by pupils and staff at Holy Trinity Primary School and members of the parochial church council of Holy Trinity Church.