A group of green-fingered students from a primary school in Bedlington have helped to create a new garden space, which includes a special memorial to a former governor.
The students, from St Bede's Catholic Primary School, took part in the development of the space, which has been named The Reflection Garden.
Head teacher Therese Worrall has spoken about the garden and the work the children have done, as well as encouraging parents to get involved in its maintenance.
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She said: “The children wished for the area to be a place where children and adults could reflect upon past, present, and the future. It can be a prayer space for children, and it can also be a place of growth.
“We would love the children to work with their grown-ups from home to maintain what is there and plant new flowers and shrubs.
“Each class will have the bed year after year, with the Year 6 children passing to the new Reception each September. Gardening can be done at the beginning or end of the school day, and, if anyone has any spare time during the day, they are also very welcome to come and help."
St Bede's students have also been giving their thoughts, with Lily saying, "It's to have a little moment to yourself" and Grace explaining that "It allows every class to have some responsibility and make the areas look nice."
As well as it being a great place for the students to be in the outdoors, the garden also serves as a permanent memorial to a much-loved member of the school's governing board and former teacher, Joan Riley.
Joan, who passed away in September 2020, and whose children and grandchildren attended the school, was also mentioned by Therese, who spoke about the impact that she had on everyone there.
“There are some very important people who helped St Bede’s become the wonderful school that it is, and one particular person was Mrs Joan Riley.
“She was key to the school developing at the beginnings to a new chapter as it converted from a first school to a primary school in 2010. Joan continued to provide strong, strategic leadership as Chair of Governors for many years–she was also the voice of reason for me as a head teacher.
“Sadly, Joan passed away in September 2020, and she is a huge miss to all who loved her, including the St Bede’s community.”
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