Beedon Primary School is one of the smallest schools in West Berkshire but had managed to raise £130,000 by July 2010 after setting a target of £150,000 to build a new classroom, hall, sports facilities, toilets, a library, and a staff room over the school summer holidays. Yet it looked like all the efforts of the pupils and staff had been in vain after the original contractors pulled out of negotiations, telling the school they would in fact need well over £200,000 to fund the necessary work. Unsure of how to proceed, the future looked bleak for the school.

After hearing about their plight, Willmott Dixon, Pre-Construction Director, Paul Grisdale visited the site to find out more. He commented, “ We are always looking for ways to help and support the local community. Having met the children and staff, we knew we had to act. It may sound a cliche´, but we literally wanted to make their dreams come true."

The team from Willmott Dixon decided the unique circumstances called for a special course of action and after meetings with Ashridge and its other supply chain partners worked out a way to complete the work for the original £130,000 budget. Ashridge is responsible for the groundworks on the project and commenced work in early December. Works which are due for completion by Easter 2011  include enabling works, drainage, sub-floor and concrete slab. We had to stop before Christmas due to the snow and cold weather but not before Christmas lunch was enjoyed with the school children who have been supervising our work closely!  Work recommenced at the site in January.