William Cook funds outdoor activity trip for local school children

The purpose was to give children the time and space to rebuild friendships, have fun and boost their emotional wellbeing following the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown.

The engineering group – whose Cook Defence Systems site is located less than a mile away from the school – funded one of two visits to the education centre, where pupils enjoyed teamwork activities such as obstacle courses, canoeing and scavenger hunts.

Other local businesses also contributed towards the excursions. 

Mrs Deb Cross, Headteacher at Stanhope Barrington, said the school had asked for donations “in order to avoid putting additional financial pressure on parents at this challenging time.”

“We were totally blown away by the generosity of William Cook,” she said. “We have had tremendous feedback from children, parents and from the centre staff too. In fact, the children are still talking about their adventures!”

Mr William Cook, Director of Cook Defence Systems, said: “This factory has been part of the local community for over 25 years, so we were only too happy to help the children of Stanhope Barrington get back to normality after such a turbulent time. We’re delighted to hear they’ve had so much fun.”