YOUNGSTERS in Gainford have started work on a village labyrinth which will represent their journeys in life.
Gainford Primary School and St Mary’s Church are working together to create the community pathway which will be temporarily laid on the village green next month to coincide with the Bishop of Durham’s visit to Teesdale.
Having gained full support from Gainford and Langton Parish Council, the project will see about 300 stones put in place. All 78 pupils at the school will each paint a stone. They will also be joined by members of the youth group, Teen Beat, who will contribute another 50 designs to the layout.
Headteacher Chris Riley said: “The children have been to the river to collect the stones and they are going to make the path for the Bishop to walk through. They will also talk to him about what the stones represent.
“It helps to develop links with the church which we are always keen to do. The children are getting quite excited about the Bishop of Durham coming to the village.”
The labyrinth will be opened on Thursday, May 10, which is also Ascension Day.
This day commemorates the departure of Christ from Earth into the presence of God. The maze will remain on the green until May 20. The walk can take the form of prayer but it is open to everyone. Walkers can reflect on what each memory and experience means to them.
Revd Eileen Harrop said: “It is the ten days which are really special to the church between Jesus ascending and the holy spirit coming to the world.
“It is not just a distance story because the children are looking at their special memories which are precious to them such as the birth of a sibling, the marriage of their parents or their own triumph such as winning a place on their football team. It is not just to be admired. It is for the whole community to take an active part in.
“It is great that we have a parish council that is interested in all aspects of community life and the needs of the parish.”
