Another shipment of children’s books on the way to Jamaica schools

Last year when I was in Jamaica I was very inspired when I attended the opening of the John Hoyland Wing at Anchovy Primary School. Beverley Hoyland was there to officially open the Wing, which bears the name of her late husband and comprises two new classrooms devoted to music. John Hoyland is regarded as one of the great abstract expressionist painters of the 20th century and he and Beverley, who attended the school as a child, spent many happy times visiting Jamaica. She thought it a fitting gesture for the John Hoyland Trust to fund the new classrooms.

I had met Beverley at a reception at the Autograph gallery in London, and she told Derek and me about her Jamaica project, her donation to Anchovy Primary School and of the forthcoming opening ceremony. As we had planned to be in Jamaica at the same time as the opening, Beverley invited us to attend the event. It was such a wonderful gesture and a brilliant gift from Beverley to her old school. The staff, children and community were very delighted with the new facilities in their school. The opening was attended by many dignitaries, including the Hon Derrick Kellier MP and the Mayor of Montego Bay Mr Homer Davis, Dr. Michelle Pinnock, Director Ministry of Education Region 4, church ministers, and the local community. It was then that I promised to make a donation of books to Anchovy Primary School.

These books which I collect for schools in Jamaica are donated by colleagues, friends, and family, and I would like to say a big thank you to the following people who have contributed generously to this shipment of more than 800 books:
Julie Clayton, who brought boxes of children’s books, some almost brand new, all nicely packed and delivered them to my door; Corale Chapman, presenter at New Style Radio Birmingham for the many bags and boxes of books she has collected from listeners and brought to my door; Susanna Bearfoot, for the collection of music books, brought to us through Brian Homer; and lastly my friend, Geraldine Thomas who continues to bring us books delivered to her church by the parishsioners.
A Big Thank you to my husband Derek for invaluable help and support in everything including checking, packaging, and lifting heavy boxes. Thanks to my son Tim who has been there for me with his van to transport me and 9 large boxes to the shipping agent.

The photo shows me with the boxes at the shipping agent in the UK.