THE family of a long-serving teacher who passed away after a battle with cancer are fundraising to have an outdoor classroom erected in her memory.

Valerie Goodland started working at St Mary and St Peter’s Primary School in Ilton in 1985, and after she died in 1997 the school erected a gazebo in her memory.

Now, after 20 years, the gazebo needs replacing and the school has teamed up with Valerie’s sister, Angie Blackwell, to help keep her memory alive.

Shaun Watson, headteacher at St Mary and St Peter’s, said: “A gazebo or outdoor classroom was erected in the memory of Mrs Valerie Goodland, who worked at the school from 1985 to 1997 and was a much-respected teacher who sadly passed away.

“The structure will soon require major repairs or replacement and we are delighted to carry on her memory in a new larger structure that will enable outdoor learning for our pupils in all weathers.

“We felt we wanted to expand it.

“It carries on the memory of Angie’s sister and she was a very popular lady around the village.”

Angie Blackwell, who owns Cottage Flowers in Ilminster, said: “Twenty years ago, Valerie passed away after a battle with cancer. They put up the gazebo in her memory, but now it is falling down and need to be replaced.

“They want to replace it with an outdoor classroom which is what they really need. I want to help raise money for that classroom so that we can keep her memory going.”

The new outdoor classroom is set to be around four or five metres in diameter and hexagonal.

Angie will be holding a country fete on September 2 from 11am to 5pm. It is being held at Sunnymead, Frost Lane in Ilton.

The event will include pony rides, a bouncy castle, skittles, a digger, children’s races and more.

Cottage Flowers will also be providing catering on the day, including a hog roast, ploughman’s and cream teas.

Entrance is £1 per person and free for children.

Angie added: “You can just come along and have lunch, anything you can to help support us.

“Some of the money will also go to the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital. When Val had cancer, she had to go to Bristol for treatment. We are so lucky now to have the centre in Taunton and we must support it.

“Also, we can never raise enough money for cancer research.”

There is still chance for people to have a stall at the event, or for people to donate items to be sold in September.

If you would like to get involved, contact Angie Blackwell at Cottage Flowers on 01460 53020, or by emailing info@cottageflowersandmore.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can visit Angie at Cottage Flowers at 8 East Street, Ilminster.

You can also arrange for donations to be picked up ahead of the event.