Alfreton Park Special School is a very popular community school for pupils with special needs where they benefit from the specialist teaching knowledge and expertise of the staff. Classes are small and consist of between seven and 10 pupils, each with a teacher and at least two teaching assistants. Pupil ages range between three and 13.
The majority of pupils have severe or complex learning difficulties and many have been diagnosed with autism which means they need a high level of support to help with their learning.
Ashbourne-based Flyfishers’ Lodge 9347 recently held its annual fishing occasion at the Yeaveley Estate near Ashbourne for a party of pupils from the school with additional support needs. Freemasons from the lodge were only too pleased to give their time to help with the event which was a great success. It has been an annual event for more than a decade, part of the Derbyshire Province’s work in the community.
The party of 12 children, their helpers and teachers enjoyed a wonderful day’s fly-fishing with each pupil landing several rainbow trout. Afterwards, the party was entertained to a barbecue lunch and the Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire Freemasons, R W Bro Steven Varley, presented framed certificates to all pupil participants.
The smiles on the faces of the children were more than ample reward for the lodge members to go home happy and content that they had spent a worthwhile day in supporting the school and the great work it does.
