Christie Park pupils raise funds for Skylark IX on anniversary of Operation Dynamo

Forty-four primary seven pupils from Christie Park Primary took part in the event for the charity which is behind fundraising for the restoration of the Dunkirk little ship.

The schoolchildren, staff and parent helpers made their way to the park to meet 22 fourth year pupils from Clydebank High and their teacher who had walked from their school.

The pupils enjoyed lunch together before setting off along the cycle path to complete their walk at Christie Park Primary, where refreshments were served to the weary walkers.

The event was organised by Christie Park head teacher and principal teacher Laura Penny and Elizabeth Campbell, and Paul Hamilton, who is a history teacher at Clydebank High.

All three have joined the charity’s board of trustees and Ms Penny told the Reporter: “This was a great opportunity to create links with another school in our authority and to be involved in such an amazing and worthwhile project.

"The children were really enthusiastic and up for the challenge. I congratulate them all on their achievement.”

In total £100 was raised for the vessel, which saved the lives of over 600 cold and tired soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk in France during Operation Dynamo in May 1940.

The children have been learning about this event through their World War Two studies.

Skylark IX is continuing to change lives today with her restoration work being undertaken by a specialist boatbuilding team working with recovering drug addicts as part of a skills development programme, run by Dumbarton-based charity, Alternatives.

It follows, a £404,000 grant from the National Lottery, which was awarded in December and will allow the little ship to become a floating museum which will sail on the Clyde from Bowling to Dumbarton Castle, with community volunteers telling the fascinating story of her role in the War.

Mary Burch, secretary of the trust, told the Reporter: “Restoring this Dunkirk little ship has been our passion for the last few years and is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved, but a significant part of the Skylark project has always been about sharing the history of Dunkirk and educating young people, so that her story and the story of our veterans and the miracle of Dunkirk is never forgotten.

“We are delighted therefore to now include three teachers on our board of trustees. Laura, Elizabeth and Paul organised the fundraising event and to see the enthusiasm of so many young people taking part (particularly on the anniversary of Operation Dynamo) has given us such a boost.

“This is just the start of involving our young people and local schools and over the next two years while Skylark is being restored, we will see more projects involving the young in our community.

“Our thanks go out to every pupil who took part and on the 79th anniversary of Dunkirk, we are in no doubt that these young voices will ensure that we never forget.”