World Book Day at Millbrook Primary School, Stalybridge.

MILLBROOK Primary School marked World Book Day with a generous donation from the Stalybridge and Dukinfield Rotary Club, who ensured that every child from Nursery to Year 6 received a brand‑new book.

The club also donated additional titles to help restock the school’s Reading Shed and Library, strengthening Millbrook’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a love of reading.

The Rotary Club’s involvement with Millbrook has continued to grow. In October 2025, Rotary member Judi Kelly led the Books4Home initiative at the school, providing every child with a book to take home.

The success of that project led to the club being invited back for this year’s World Book Day celebrations.

In December 2023, a rare tornado tore through Stalybridge, leaving significant damage in its wake – including the destruction of Millbrook’s much‑loved outdoor Reading Shed.

The structure, originally opened in July 2021 by then Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr Janet Cooper, had quickly become a centrepiece for literacy activities and outdoor learning.

Rebuilding the shed required more than £2,000, prompting the school to launch a crowdfunding campaign.

The response from the community was overwhelming, with donations arriving from local organisations and individuals including the Stalybridge and Dukinfield Rotary Club, Emmaus Mossley, Ardwick Masonic Lodge, Stalybridge North councillors and dedicated school governors.

Speaking at the time, chair of governors Michael Robinson said:

“The support we received from the community and beyond has been heartwarming. This reading shed means so much to our students and its restoration marks a positive step forward in our recovery from the tornado’s impact.”

With the Reading Shed restored, shelves replenished and every child gifted a book of their own, staff say the Rotary Club’s ongoing support has had a “transformational” impact on reading across the school.