Member Article

Keepmoat commemorates Charlotte with St Stephen’s School

A memorial garden has been unveiled in Longbenton to commemorate Charlotte Callaghan, a former St Stephen’s RC Primary School pupil; after housing and regeneration specialist, Keepmoat donated new benches and plaques.

St Stephens RC Primary School recently relocated to improved new premises on Goathland Avenue, after previously residing off Bardsey Place; where Keepmoat is now building 41 new homes.

During the demolition of the former school, Keepmoat discovered a memorial garden for Charlotte Callaghan, who passed away in 1996 as a result of a brain tumour, aged 10.

To ensure Charlotte’s memory lives on, Keepmoat provided assistance by landscaping an area at the new St Stephen’s School, where Charlotte’s mother still works as a teacher. This will also be used as a quiet reading area for children at the school.

As well as carrying out landscaping works, Keepmoat has named a street ‘Charlotte Place’ in commemoration at The Spires Development, where the old School previously stood.

Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director for Keepmoat in the North East said: “As soon as we discovered the memorial garden at the former school site, we felt very strongly about ensuring we support the school to continue honouring the memory of Charlotte.

“We hope the new garden and the introduction of ‘Charlotte Place’ provides some comfort to those who knew her, particularly her mum, Susan.”

Stephen Fallon, head teacher at St Stephen’s RC Primary School said: “We are delighted and very grateful to the people at Keepmoat for assisting us in ensuring the garden idea moved from aspiration to reality. We can’t thank them enough for having the desire and sensitivity to assist us in preserving something special to the school community and of course Charlotte’s Mum, Susan, who is a member of staff here.

“It was important that the memory of Charlotte came with us to our new site and this project will ensure just that. As well as a lovely garden area, there is a small library for children and parents to use on a daily basis so it promises to be an appealing and attractive part of our school. “

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keepmoat .