By Isle of Wight Observer
Dover Park Primary School has received a £1,000 donation from Nancy Allen, widow of renowned scriptwriter, Raymond (Ray) Allen, whose most famous creation was the 1970s TV comedy series, Some Mothers Do ’Av ’Em.
Ray died in October 2022, leaving a donation to the school in his will, as he passionately believed that everybody should be able to read. Nancy carried out fund-raising to add to the legacy left by her late husband.
The majority of the fund will be used to buy library books to foster a love of reading in the pupils, with the remainder used to renovate the school’s playground stage, to provide a vibrant place for the children to engage in creative and imaginative play.
To mark the occasion the children were treated to clips from Ray’s classic comedy show, whose lead character was Frank Spencer, played by Michael Crawford. Ray, who was born in Ryde, always insisted that the character of Frank was based on himself as he was accident prone but well-meaning.
Headteacher, Jon Kirby, said: “This incredible sum of money will make a huge difference to the children at Dover Park, and we can’t thank Nancy enough for her kindness and support.”
The school also received a signed photograph, and nine signed books from comedian and author, David Walliams, a long-term friend of Ray and Nancy.
