Fundraising
Since its installation in 2005, our Astro has become an important facility for both the school and the wider community. During its 18 year lifespan, 1500 Cotswold School students per year have benefitted from using the Astro during PE lessons and during after school clubs and fixtures every year – it is a vital part of our school sporting facilities.
The facility is also an important centre for local sport, used by Bourton and Sherborne Hockey Club, as well as youth and adult football teams in the local community for both matches and training sessions, and is used by holiday clubs.
The pitch was originally expected to last 10 years but we have extended its life by a further 8 years due to the excellent care and upkeeping. However, it is now showing significant signs of wear, which is having an impact on its performance and is in desperate need of replacement, to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and accessible to all.
Our goal is the replace the Astro over summer 2024 and, as such, we have been fundraising to reach our £165,000 towards the project, which includes the upgrade of the carpet.
How will we raise the funds?
With our fundraising already underway, we have been overwhelmed with the initial response, with families and the community purchasing 1m² Astro squares, volunteering to help with the PTA or supporting a PTA event, as well as generous donations and pledges from benefactors.
Unfortunately, there is no government funding available to help with the cost of replacing the Astroturf. We are acutely aware of the impact of inflation on families, so we will be aiming our fundraising efforts in the following ways:
- Seeking grant funding from Bourton Parish Council
- Selling “Astro squares” to local businesses in return for advertising signage around the Astro
- Crowd funding via Spacehive
We are also asking our school, local community, and supporters, to sponsor 1m² of Astroturf at a cost of £25. We have 6388m² available so please spread the word! Each 1m² bought will bring us closer to our fundraising target.
To find out more about our Astro square funding packages, click here.
Please contact Mrs Tye mtye@thecotswoldschool.co.uk for more information, or use the ‘Donate‘ button on our Homepage.
Spacehive
We are pleased to announce that, having pitched to the Cotswold School District Council community fund, we have won their support for match funding. To secure this match funding, we need to raise £10,000 via their crowdfunding website Spacehive. As an example of how this works, for every £10 that is donated, Cotswold District Council will match that funding so that the school receive £20.
To back our campaign, click here.
Events
Look out for upcoming events, including volunteering to help or supporting PTA events.
How can you help?
- Come and take part in our PTA fundraising events
- Volunteer to support a PTA event; car parking days are an easy way to support the school
- If you work for a business, please ask if they would like to support the school
Of course, any amount pledged is welcome and you can email mtye@thecotswoldschool.co.uk for more information on ways to support.