PUPILS at a rural school have maintained a long-standing tradition by serving senior citizens from their local community with a Christmas feast.
Wolsingham School has been embedded in the local community for more than 400 years and the annual festive gathering is a cherished date in the calendar of the Weardale town.
The three-course community Christmas dinner, with wine and all the trimmings, is funded each year from the neighbourhood budget of Weardale’s independent county councillor, Anita Savory, who is chair of the school’s governors.
This year, 80 senior citizens were served by pupils, including members of the school’s Army Cadets unit.
A raffle at the event is used to raise money towards an educational trip to Nepal by GCSE RE pupils. The 29 pupils fly out to South Asia on July 26 to teach children at a Nepalese primary school and explore the country’s heritage and culture.
“It’s heart-warming to bring the community into the school and some of our senior citizens were pupils here themselves, so their connection goes way back,” said Councillor Savory.
“A lot of our guests live alone, so it’s so important to bring the generations together at Christmas. I’m fiercely proud of the school’s place in the local community and this is a shining example.”
Headteacher Nick Mitchinson added: “One of our school values is to ‘Be Kind’, so this is an opportunity for the pupils to show their kindness while also raising vital funds for the Nepal trip.
“The school has been at the heart of the community for more than 400 years and we’re proud to maintain such an important tradition, which we hope will continue for generations to come.”
Mr Mitchinson paid tribute to catering manager, Lynn Pearson, for her commitment in making the event possible. Mrs Pearson is a former Wolsingham pupil, her children also attended the school, and her mother, Aline, was among the senior citizens enjoying the Christmas dinner.
Year 10 pupil Noah Harris, who will be among those heading to Nepal, said: “It’s just a lovely way for us to support the local community. It feels really special for the generations to come together like this every year.”
