WHEN Francesco Rojas, a prominent Human Rights Lawyer, died, his family wondered what they could do in remembrance of him.

They decided to raise money to build a Protestant School for poor children in Arequipa, Peru.

One of his daughters, the late Maria Knowlton who lived in Cheriton Fitzpaine, with the help of her husband John, the then Circuit Superintendent of the Methodist Church in this area, Rev Amos Cresswell, and many friends, launched a campaign, and eventually, in 1989, the School opened.

Before Covid there were 300 children, and now there are 270. Most children are subsidised, but some parents, knowing of the high standards in the School paid for their children to attend.

Arequipa is in an Earthquake zone, and when there has been damage, the School has offered help.

John continues his support of the school, and on Saturday, a Coffee Morning and Sale was held in the Methodist Chapel at Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Many colourful craft items were on sale which had been made in Peru, some from Alpaca wool.

The sale was well-attended, despite the weather, and £346 were raised.

John is also having a stall at the Village Market in the Parish Hall on Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 2pm.

Mary Nunn