Urmston 'book bank' for children supported by local business

The South Eastern Group of Freemasons, who meet at Urmston Masonic Hall, have partnered with local businesses to create a book bank.

The reading hub looks to provide books for children in various hospitals in a bid to support their well-being while recovering as well as disadvantaged youngsters across Trafford.

The bank has gone on to send books to schools and several children's hospitals, including Trafford General Hospital Children's Resource Centre, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and Alder Hey Hospital.

Urmston Bookshop is a key partner in the programme and has been busy donating books to kick start the initiative and stock the book bank's shelves.

David Durling, Mrs Hall and Wayne Shaw with the cheque (Image: Wayne Shaw)

Meanwhile, the Freemasons have made a financial contribution of £500 so far to purchase additional books and supplies.

Wayne Shaw, who owns and runs The Window Company, is also working to support the bank and has matched the Freemasons' offer with another £500 cheque.

Mr Shaw said he hopes the influx of donations will allow the book bank to significantly expand its reach and bring the "joy of reading to many more children in need".

He continued: "The South Eastern Group of Freemasons has been a stalwart supporter and helper of the Trafford community, making invaluable contributions to the area over many years.

Children at various primary schools have already benefitted from the book bank (Image: Wayne Shaw)

"Their ongoing dedication to local causes is admirable.

"So, when a member of the South Eastern Group told us about the important work of the book bank initiative, providing reading materials for vulnerable children, we knew this was a programme we absolutely had to assist."

The business owner commended the initiative, adding: "Reading opens up worlds of knowledge, imagination, and joy for kids, but many lack access to books."

He continued: "We understand how being able to delve into a brand new book provides comfort and expands horizons for disadvantaged youths during difficult times.

"We hope that our donation of £500 from our Recycle and Reward program will go a long way towards ensuring more children can reap the pleasures and benefits of reading.

"It is thanks to community-focused organisations like the Freemasons that worthy causes gain the support they need.

"We share their spirit of uplifting others, and are proud to donate towards this initiative that will enrich many lives one book at a time.

"What a wonderful gift it is to give the gift of reading".

Local hospitals are also in receipt of books through the book bank scheme (Image: Wayne Shaw)

David Durling, the South Eastern Group Treasurer met up with Mr Shaw at Urmston Primary School where the Head of English, Mrs Hall, welcomed them into the library that has been stocked by the book bank.

Mr Durling said: "We are so grateful for the community's support of our efforts to spread literacy and a love of reading.

"These donations will help immensely in bringing books and happiness to local children, some of whom are going through difficult times.

"I am so grateful to The Window Company for seeing this initiative as a worthy cause that they wanted to get involved with and support with an extremely generous cheque for £500."

 Mrs Hall also said: "We are grateful for the many donations of books and for the specific new books that will go directly to our more vulnerable children within our school.

"We are constantly updating the books in our school to ensure that all our children are able to access books that excite and engage them, with characters that reflect their own lives, traditions, ethnicities and abilities.

"The books donated will take a step closer to achieving this and ensure that no child is left behind in our quest for equality in education."