School’s 'soul' returns in first post-pandemic event

The head of a Northumberland primary said the ‘soul’ of her school had returned when it held its first community event since the ending of Covid restrictions.

St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, in Bedlington, opened its doors to the public for the first time since the start of the pandemic when it held its Autumn Fayre.

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​“The event was so well attended, and we saw many happy smiling faces,” said headteacher Therese Worrall. “It was fantastic to have the school full of people again – it felt like the soul of the school had returned fully. We had missed it so much, not having parents here.”

As well as encouraging families back into the school, part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, the day raised funds for extra-curricular activities for the pupils, as well as supporting a local charity.

“The entry fee was to bring a tin which was then donated to The Matthew Project, a food bank based in Bedlington serving the locality,” explained Mrs Worrall.

“The amount of donations to the food bank were so overwhelming, filling a large family car to take to the food bank, and this also linked in with the time of year – harvest time.

“Mike Clark, the coordinator at The Matthew Project Food Bank, sent an email later to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to both parents and carers and pupils for the generous harvest donation received from the school.

“He said that they have seen an increased demand for various reasons, and the donation would help meet this.”

Mrs Worrall continued: “Aside from the food bank donations, we had various stalls, and each class produced goods in school and then sold them to the adults who joined us.”

“We made over £750 and are still deciding how to treat the children in the run up to Christmas, or possibly afterwards to have a nice time in the dark, cold month of January.”

As well as a chocolate tombola, refreshments available included home-made biscuits, cakes and apple crumble – along with dog biscuits approved by the school's dog, Mac.

Other stalls offered keyrings, popcorn sheep, hot chocolate kits, plants, donated games, water colour prints, autumn wreaths, and pinecone hedgehogs.

The event was so well received that there are now plans for a festive version.

“Due to the success, we are going to have a Christmas Fayre on Friday,  December 9,” Mrs Worrall added.

“Hopefully Santa might make an appearance, and the children and staff are all geared up to produce some more seasonal merchandise.It  will begin our celebration season, as the Christmas productions in school will be the following week.”