Education

Education We can’t wait for kids to come back

By Nigel Roberts Headteacher All Saints Primary School, Bishops Caundle

As in many professions, the past 10 months or so have delivered a number of challenges for primary school staff. Primary schools have had to make many changes to their ways of delivering the curriculum and, more importantly, supporting the mental health of their pupils. In the current lockdown, the Department for Education (DfE) expects that when schools are working remotely they should ‘set meaningful and ambitious work each day in an appropriate range of subjects’. For KS1 children (5-7 years old) this work should be three hours a day on average and four hours a day for KS2 pupils (7-11 years old). Schools have used recorded lessons (either by their own staff or more generic lessons available from a number of providers), worksheets,

HOME AND AWAY: Children at All Saints participate in lessons online and in the classroom

assignments and some live lessons to provide the required quantity of work. At All Saints, we have been lucky. The governors have invested heavily in Chromebooks for all KS2 pupils over the past few years, which has meant that parents were able to collect these for their children to use. This, coupled by generous donations by some of our local community along with the government scheme of providing laptops for vulnerable pupils, have meant that all our pupils have the capability of accessing lessons. This lockdown has seen many more critical workers’ children coming into school. With the vulnerable pupils added to these, primary schools are averaging about 30% of their pupils still attending. This has meant that teaching staff have to cater equally for those in and out of school. There are positives for all the methods that schools have used for remote work. At All Saints, we are proud at how we have risen to the challenges of remote learning by offering live lessons, all morning every morning (for all KS1 and KS2 pupils). We then set additional unsupported work in the afternoons. We have found that live lessons have provided pupils with immediate support when they are struggling, which means that parents are now having to offer much less – if any – support for their children. Live lessons also give children some social contact with their peers in a safe and supervised environment. Any new means of practice brings with it additional workload. Whatever the means of delivery of remote learning, teaching staff have been faced with increased pressures, having to learn new skills and overcome technical restrictions and difficulties. Whilst teaching is my second career and I do not subscribe to the ‘teachers have it hard’ camp, I really do take my hat off to the adaptability, resourcefulness and professionalism of our teachers in these testing times. When all pupils eventually return (and trust me, we can’t wait), the focus will then no longer be on the delivery of lessons but more so on covering the gaps left by live learning and, above all else, ensuring the emotional needs of our children – caused by long periods of isolation – are being met.

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Announcements

Anniversary

SARAH & DAVID PAYNE

Congratulations on your Ruby Anniversary. 21st February. Love from all the family. In Memoriam

15-02-2015 MALC WALLIS (WALLY) DAVID JOHN WATHEN “UNC”

Passed away on the 23rd February 2018. It’s been three years now since you left us. You will never be forgotten, many happy memories. Binsley and all of the rest of your real family xxx

HAWKSLEY STEPHEN DOUGLAS

Much loved brother of Geoffrey, father of Chris, Michael and Wendy, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home on 12th February 2021, aged 87. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be a small private family funeral due to the current covid restrictions. A memorial service to celebrate Stephen’s life to which all family and friends will be very welcome will be held at a future date. BULLOCK KATE ELIZABETH ANN (BETTY)

Aged 86 years of Yeovil. On 4th February 2021, peacefully at her home. A much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Private funeral. Donations in memory of Betty are being invited for Butterfields Care, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

DITCHER (CHRIS PHILLIPS)

Sadly passed away on the 5th February 2021, peacefully in his sleep with his loving family by his side. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. A true legend, taken too soon. Donations if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare or Macmillan Cancer Support. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570 COXHEAD BRENDA

Passed away peacefully at home on 29th January 2021, aged 72 years. Much loved wife to Derek and mum to Katy and Alison. Donations in memory of Brenda to St Margaret’s Hospice may be sent c/o Clive Wakely, AJ Wakely & Sons The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310

THORN KATHLYN MARY

Aged 91 years of Chaffeymoor, formerly of Blunsdon and Highworth. On 4th February 2021, peacefully at Torrwood Care Home, Wells. A much loved wife of Brian and friend. Private funeral. Donations in memory of Kathlyn are being invited for The Dogs Trust, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

Linda Eileen Mary Cook

Died peacefully in Dorset County Hospital on 12th January 2021, aged 72 years of Marnhull, Dorset.

Linda was born on the 11th April 1948 in Draycourt Place, London to Helen and Harry McCartney. Linda had 昀ve siblings, Harry, Patricia, Ronald, Stephen and Carol. She also had a foster sister Violet, Linda was the baby of the family. She was married to Thomas Cook, until his death in August 2007, Linda was heartbroken as she was his carer due to Tom’s ill health, they were together 24/7. Linda met Tom in his electrical shop that he owned with his brother in Camberwell, they lived above the shop for a few years. The Shop was next to a Newsagents run by Ann and Frank Thorley, Linda and Ann became friends and remained so to this day. Frank and Ann moved to Broadstairs around 45 years ago to run a Public House, Linda and Tom joined them there 42 years ago. Tom worked for Thorley Taverns as a Carpenter/Joiner and Linda as a Cook/ Chef in many of the Public Houses they owned. Her brother Steve moved in with Linda and Tom around 30 years ago and remained with her to date. After Tom’s death, Linda moved to Marnhull to be near her sister Carol, whom she spoke to most days on the phone. Steve moved down with her.

Until her mobility got really bad, she enjoyed going to the lunch club, 昀ower arranging, the craft club and the local art class which she really enjoyed and got quite good at. Linda also enjoyed going to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Gillingham. Linda had a great love for her nieces and nephews and of course she loved her cat, Figaro.

Linda and Carol went shopping to Yeovil most weeks, where Linda could hire a mobility scooter, to enable her to get around. The last two years Linda was virtually housebound and did not leave the house, except for hospital appointments, she had carers go in daily for the past year. Her carers, gardeners and delivery people etc, said she was a lovely smiling lady, who was never miserable. Linda was very much loved by her family and friends, and she’s left a hole in our hearts that will be impossible to 昀ll. Sleep well our baby sister.

PRICE ROSEMARY ANN (NEE ELLIOTT)

died peacefully at home on 2nd February after a short illness, aged 97. Beloved wife of the late John, much loved and loving mother of Charles, Bill and Diana, adored grandmother of Alex, Sarah, Francesca and Tom and great-grandmother of six. Private family funeral. Summer thanksgiving service (covid permitting).

SMART PHYLLIS

Formerly of The Yews, Mere, passed peacefully away on the 26th January 2021 aged 96 years at Watersmead Care Home, Westbury. Much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Private cremation due to current covid restrictions. Donations for The British Heart Foundation may be made if desired to L C Hill, Water Street, Mere (01747 860361)

HUNT GERALD RAYMOND (GERRY)

of Gillingham, peacefully on 5th February 2021 in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 92. Beloved husband of Joan, loving dad to Nicola and a much loved grandad to Natalie and Matthew. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. Private cremation due to restrictions.

Donations if desired, in memory of Gerald, may be sent directly to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or National Autistic Society.

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DENNIS PRATT

Aged 77 years of Sturminster Newton. Passed away peacefully at home on 31st January 2021 after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Patsy, much loved dad of Nicholas, Deborah and Andrew. Loving grandad to Ella, Eva, Josh and Sam. Father in law to Rose and Rachel. He will be sadly missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Private Family Cremation due to Covid. Donations in memory of Dennis to Cancer Research c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Henstridge, BA8 0RB (01963) 362570.

NEWMAN BARRY (JOE)

Sadly passed away on January 31st 2021 at Riverside Nursing Home, Sherborne. Private Funeral Service due to covid restrictions. Donations if desired to Lewy Body Dementia c/o Grassby & Close, Sturminster Newton, (01258) 471024.

BRINE DAVID

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on 17th January aged 81 years. David will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Private funeral service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium, donations if desired to ‘Marie Curie’ who cared so well for David, c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel:01258 453425 or online www.funeraldirector.co.uk/david-brine

NICOLAS DIXON

On 9th February 2021 peacefully in Salisbury Hospice after a short battle with cancer aged 57 years of Gillingham. A loving husband to Becky, beloved father to Leila, Cara and Kit and a much loved son to Jenny and the late Colin and a much loved brother to Ariane. Private family service but donations if desired to Salisbury Hospice Charity may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532 KINGSBURY RHONA

Rhona Kingsbury of Henstridge sadly passed away on 10th February 2021 aged 75 years. Rhona will be missed by so many. Private funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium. No flowers please but donations if desired for the Dorset Deaf Children’s Society, c/o Grassby and Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BB, Telephone 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

WESTERN, THOMAS (TONY) of Wincanton

Passed away peacefully at home on 4th February 2021, aged 95 years. Husband to the late Gwenda Western, dear brother to Joyce, father to Moira and Barbara, grandad to Debbie, Christine and Sarah, and great-grandad to their six children. Much loved and sadly missed by all. Private family funeral service. Donations in Tony’s memory to Tools With A Mission c/o A J Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310

EDWARD ANTHONY IRELAND

Passed away peacefully on 24th January 2021 at The Malthouse Residential Home in Gillingham. A funeral service to be held on Friday 26th February 20th at 12:15pm at The West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington.

Rector

The Rev Peter Colebrook died in March 2020. His family say there has not been a chance for them to pay public tribute. His widow Elspeth has written: “We hoped to have a thanksgiving service but lockdowns have meant continual postponements. Meantime we thought there should be a written account of his life and contribution. Peter was educated at Wellington College and Durham University and ordained into the Anglican Ministry at Coates Hall in Edinburgh serving in Scotland, Birmingham and Devon. When middle schools were instituted in 1972 he trained as a mature teacher and joined a loyal team at Duchy Manor School in Mere. When he retired in 1989 he offered himself as Deacon at St Gregory’s in Marnhull where he served for many years. Peter had many interests. He was a knowledgeable gardener and was active with the International Tree Foundation planting events in Dorset. He had a fine bass voice and sang regularly in choral societies at Bryanston, where our daughter Sarah sang with her school and our son Will was a pupil.

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first to welcome people

He was active in Christian Aid, organising collections, joining marches in London and talking with MPs at Westminster. He cycled daily to church at 8am to say the Morning Office, keeping this going when there was no Rector at Marnhull. Fellow clergy referred to his spiritual insight, combined with an incorrigible sense of fun. Many newcomers to the village said Peter was the first to visit and make them feel welcome. Members of the PCC felt he was always at hand and he gave of himself with instant unselfish understanding and kindness. As one wrote ‘Marnhull has lost one of its great characters and he will be missed by us all for his personality his faith and his kind-hearted community spirit.

HODDINOTT Edith Mary (Mary)

Aged 88 years of Sparkford. On 11th February 2021, peacefully at her home. A much loved mother, nanny, sister, aunt and friend. Private Cremation. Donations in memory of Mary are being invited for Queen Camel Medical Centre Equipment Fund, c/o Harold F. Miles, funeral director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES (01963) 440367 COOPER (nee HORLOCK) PATRICIA

Passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on 5th February, aged 75 years of Winterborne Whitechurch, previously of East Devon and Caernarfon. Loving wife of Ronald, adored Mum to Ashley and wife Sam, dear sister to Heather and treasured Nain to Evie and William. She will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends. Private funeral service to be held at Poole Crematorium, family flowers welcome or donations if desired to MDS Foundation c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/patricia-cooper

CHANT IRENE MAY

Nee Taylor, of Yeovil, formerly of Milborne Port. Peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on 1st February 2021 aged 87 years. Loved and missed by her family and friends. Private funeral. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Irene for Goathill PCC may be sent c/o, Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil, BA21 4BT, Tel: 01935 479913. Please make cheques payable to the PCC of Goathill. Grateful thanks are extended to the nursing staff at EAU at Yeovil District Hospital and the staff of Preston Grove Surgery.

WINTERBOTTOM JOHN SAMUEL

Aged 73 years of Wincanton. On 28th January 2021, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Private cremation. Donations in memory of John are being invited for The Salvation Army, c/o Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367. SYLVIA MARGARET DUDMAN NÉE BUTLER

On 29th January 2021 peacefully in Poole Hospital of covid aged 84 years of East Melbury. Wife of the late Tony, mother to Julie, Nikki and Ali, mother-in-law to Kev, Rich and Malc. Granny to Ben, Anya, Matt, Willy and Charlie and great granny to Evelynn, Murielle, Demelza, Matilda and James. Funeral service has taken place but donations if desired to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

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