ST MARY’S Church, in Gainford, welcomed back school children for the first time in almost two years for a harvest festival service.
It was also the first time Gainford Primary School’s pupils were able to come together as a collective since the Covid-19 lockdown began in March last year.
Headteacher Chris Riley said: “Everyone is happy to be back in the church, especially the younger children who are excited to be with the older children. It is nice to be able to do a project all together.
“What they really enjoy is singing together because they haven’t been able to do that. Some of our younger children haven’t sung at all.”
Church warden Geoff Taylor, who led the service, was equally thrilled about the return of children for services.
He said: “It is fantastic – it is great because we really thought it was never going to happen.” He added that all services were beginning to return to normal. Mr Taylor said: “We keep moving forward but not so fast that we will have to take steps back. We are trying to build people’s confidence up.”
During the festival children showed off artwork, read out poetry and prayers and sang various songs.
Children also made donations, including vegetables that they had grown, which will be given to Butterwick Hospice.
Mrs Riley said: “They have grown leeks and cabbages, and some rather large marrows.” Last week, the school hosted an open day for its pre-primary and early years children.
Mrs Riley said pre-school children are included in full school events, such as the harvest festival, and anyone who missed the open day can email gainford@durhamlearning.net or call 01325 730274 for more information.
