Four fine people sat down on 8 May 1998 to explore the possibility of setting up a Life Education Trust in the Hutt Valley which would include the regions of Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata and Eastbourne. One year later, on 6 May 1999, the completed and sign written classroom was collected from Wanganui and taken to the first school on Monday 10 May. During that year there were few days where Life Education was not on the daily “thought menu” and through that time there was a constant flow of ideas, action and fun.
Original trustees were Brian Shearer, Joy Quigley, Steve Graves, Margaret Radford, Peter Walters and Tony Moore. Soon after we started, we appointed Grant Partridge (a jeweller) and Linda Olsen (a Marae Manager in Wainuiomata). Our educator was Sarah Hill.
Current Trustees are Margaret Radford (Chairman), Steve Graves (Secretary/Treasurer), Sheila Ellis, Barry Clayton and Ian Rattray. Our educator is Jo Manks.
We were incredibly blessed by Roy and Renate Savage’s generosity when in 1998 they donated sufficient money for us to purchase our mobile classroom, leaving us the initial task of raising about $100,000 in cash in kind for our Year 1 operation. Roy and Renate take a keen interest and mentoring role in the Trust’s ongoing activities. We are very grateful for their quiet wisdom.
Our “Foundation Sponsors” have made a commitment to supporting us and their contributions are recognised with signage on the mobile classroom and logos on our letterhead. They are:
* Kendons Chartered Accountants
* Alpha Specialised Movers
* Orbit Heavy Haulage
* Partridge Jewellers
* Banks Shoes
Then, of course, we have chased up Trusts, Service Clubs, media, businesses and individuals, held functions and lotteries all of which have been successful both financially and for “bonding” within our Trust.
Corporate sponsors and other organisations also play a huge role in supporting our Trust. They are:
• Community Trust of Wellington
• Winton and Margaret Bear Charitable Trust
• TG McCarthy Trust
• Rotary Clubs
• Lions Clubs
• Pelorus Trust
The hard work and dedication of every person, business and organisation mentioned above is invaluable in the ongoing success of Life Education Trust Hutt Valley. Thanks everybody!
