Mainspring’s Managing Director, Matt Johnston, was more than delighted to present the Royal School of the Deaf Derby with a cheque for £11,970 raised through the generousity of the national rail industry. The money will be used to build a new outdoor classroom which will be specially designed for needs of deaf children and will ensure, whatever the British weather, outdoor learning can take place.
The money was raised at Mainspring’s ‘Dinner at the Roundhouse’ networking gathering. This is held annually and hosts the biggest names in the rail industry as they celebrate the past year, forge new connections and pave the way to the future. And, it is thanks to the generosity of such attendees as CoMech Metrology, Porterbrook and Wabtec, that such a fantastic amount was raised both through direct donations and a silent auction.
Head Teacher Paul Burrows, who spoke at the event, said: ‘I am overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended the Mainspring dinner. The money raised indicates the level of kindness of the rail industry and their determination to be an inclusive industry.
‘Royal School for the Deaf Derby intend to put the money into a brand-new project, as opposed to lots of smaller ones. The children have wanted an outdoor clasroom space that is deaf-aware and bespoke to their needs. We hope that this money can fund that project in its entirity.
‘When I spoke at the event, I asked for equal opportunity for our deaf children – the money generously donated will enable us to create an inclusive, equal opportunity learning space for our amazing children. Thank you so much.’
The event, sponsored by Derby City Council, has raised money for the Royal School for the Deaf Derby for many years and last year’s donations of almost £5,000 helped for work on the school library to be completed.
Matt Pallett, managing director of CoMech, based in Derby, said: ‘Dinner at the Roundhouse’ is always a brilliant occasion and a good opportunity to catch up with colleagues across the industry.
‘CoMech has worked with the pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby previously and I think Paul made a big impression on everyone in the room.’
‘How great that the money raised on the night will make such a big difference to the school.’
Matt Johnston, Managing Director of Mainspring, commented, ‘We are delighted once again to support the Royal School for the Deaf Derby as we have done now for many years. Each year, we are inspired by the work that the school does in improving the lives of the young people in their care. We are thrilled that the Dinner at the Roundhouse event brought the national rail industry together to raise the highest ever amount for the school.’
