Bishop blesses Arundel pupils’ garden

The Rt Rev Mark Sowerby paid a visit to Arundel CE Primary School, on Friday (March 13), to officially open the school’s new garden of reflection.

The area was designed by pupils, with youngsters from the school’s RE Council taking the lead.

Children from across the Jarvis Road primary had spent almost a year coming up and constructing the facility, which will be used by pupils to quietly reflect on all the ups and downs of life.

Andrew Simpson, head teacher, said: “The children absolutely love it – it’s what they all wanted.

“They felt that it was really important to be able to have this quiet space to just reflect on things.

“They’ve put a lot of hard work into it and it shows they have a real voice in the school.”

Eight-year-old Harry Stockley named the garden The Circle after the school’s ten core values.

The idea for the site came following an inspirational visit from the late Archbishop of West Africa, the Rt Rev Dr Solomon Tilewa Johnson.

Bishop Solomon told the children about prayer and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives.

Mr Simpson said: “He really inspired the children when he visited.”

Youngsters added in parts of Bishop Solomon’s message within the garden’s design, using a carved wooden hand to represent his words about prayer.

Wooden chairs were also carved and donated by the Duke of Norfolk’s estate, after pupils approached the Duke for a helping hand.

The whole school, parents and governors, turned out to watch the official blessing by the Bishop.

It is hoped the garden will be available to the public at certain times during the week.