Wednesday was a big day in the life of Lydiard Millicent Church of England Primary School and of the village’s nine hundred-year-old church. A dazzling, new, illustrated glass door, partly designed by pupils from the school, welcomed Year 6 and their parents as they arrived for a special School Leavers’ Service.
Professional artist Dr Sheona Beaumont designed the door, entitled Wing of Life, in the shape of a butterfly wing. The complex pattern combines lettering, flowing lines, and children’s sketches. She describes it as “a celebration of the small kingdoms found in churchyard flora and fauna”.
Fourteen children from Lydiard Millicent school’s collective worship committee drew birds, beasts, bats and flowers when they spent a day with the artist developing the design. Seven of the committee who attended the service shared their excitement at the end result.
Cassidy said she was “surprised” that their drawings had been reproduced so exactly. The youngsters pointed out creatures and flora they had sketched and said their drawings had “turned out real cool”.
Esme commented on the words on the door, taken from Psalm 24: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” She said the children wanted to “tell the creation story; that God made everything”.
Xanthe added, “It reminds me of what is in creation and how we need to appreciate our world. People don’t see the goodness in it and they should see it more.”
The children’s involvement in the design meant a lot to them, reflected Lydiard Millicent CE School Headteacher, Andrew Farmer. He said, “The collective worship committee in school absolutely loved being involved and helping to shape the design. Knowing their ideas will be part of All Saints Church for many years to come has absolutely thrilled them.”
The new door was fitted just in time for the children to see it – on 22 July. Church Treasurer Tina Wheeler said, “It crowns a raft of changes and improvements we have made to the church that our congregation and community will be able to enjoy long into the future. Our thanks go to all the trusts and individuals who gave generously to make this happen.”
Talented Year 6 pupils sang, read and shared best memories of school during the Leavers’ Service. They were given new Bibles, presented by All Saints Schools and Children’s Worker, Bev Kauppinen. They received high praise, too, from their Headteacher. Mr Farmer told the leavers and parents that “Year 6 have all been amazing role models for the whole school”.
