Stuart McPhillips donated a lump sum to his primary school. Robert Barnes celebrates his time in the school’s carpentry workshop

Your editorial expressing the value of the arts in schools (20 March) prompts me to share what I did for my 70th birthday, which others could copy: I donated a lump sum to my first primary school.

I was supported by donations from family and friends in lieu of any birthday gifts to me. The one stipulation I made to the school was that the money was to be used for creative activities. The result was a sensory garden with artworks created by the children.
Stuart McPhillips
Garstang, Lancashire