New library opens at St Peter’s Primary School in Budleigh

Children and staff wore fancy dress to celebrate the opening of their library after a long period of fundraising for refurbishment

A new library has opened at St Peter’s Primary School in Budleigh Salterton, and it has been named after a long-serving school governor and his wife.

William and Sue Tee have been involved with the school for many years and played a large part in the library project, but the unveiling of a plaque naming The Tee Library came as a complete surprise to them.

“We’re both totally overwhelmed, we didn’t expect it at all, that’s not why we’re here today,” said Mr Tee. “We’re here to celebrate the community coming together to raise the money to enable this wonderful facility to be provided for the children.”

Headteacher Steve Hitchcock said the project had started back in January 2017. The old library had to be used as a classroom to accommodate Year Six children, and St Peter’s took over the new building from a local childcare provider.

“We thought we’d be able to move straight in but it was in quite a state of disrepair,” he said. “So we had to change tack and raise lots of money. It took a long, long time to get to where we are now, a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

The fundraising events included a pantomime, a ballet show, a Big Cheese disco organised by the PTA, a painting sale and cake sales. Local charities and businesses also contributed.

At the library opening, on Tuesday, October 30, children and staff wore fancy dress. Mr Hitchcock, dressed as Willy Wonka, thanked staff and governors, parents and the wider community. The plaque also names the Norman Family Trust and the PTA as major contributors.

Guest of honour was Jan Oke, the author of the children’s books Naughty Bus and Major Glad, Major Dizzy, who spoke about the importance of reading for children.

“Reading books can help you dream and then show you how to make your dreams a reality,” she said.

“Reading books can make you laugh, and surprise you and teach you things you hadn’t known before. It can help you step into someone else’s life and understand their challenges and their triumphs. It will exercise the muscles of your imagination, which is important if you want to think independently and have new ideas of your own.”

The guests were entertained by music from members of the Key Stage Two Brass Band, led by brass instrument teacher Chris Gould. The band also played a fanfare after the unveiling of the plaque.