Students light up stage (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Students light up stage

10:37am Friday 15th March 2013 in Andover

PUPILS from nine Church of England schools in the Andover area gathered at The Lights on Tuesday for a song day.

The event, which was opened by the Mayor of Test Valley Dorothy Baverstock, saw 242 children singing a mixture of contemporary and traditional hymns in the auditorium.

The schools involved included Abbotts Ann CE Primary, Andover CE Primary, Appleshaw CE Primary, Clatford CE Primary, Hurstbourne Tarrant CE Primary, Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield CE Primary, Longparish CE Primary, Smannell and Enham CE Primary and Vernham Dean Gillum’s CE Primary.

Organised by the Diocese of Portsmouth and Winchester, this was the first time an event of this kind had taken place in Test Valley.

Joyce Johnson, the diocese’s school adviser, said: “They are a bit in awe of being at The Lights and it’s a real treat for them. We don’t open it to parents because the children have filled the venue.”

Pam Simpson, head teacher of Kimpton Primary, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for local C of E schools to meet together to sing some of the more traditional hymns, such as ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’, as well as more modern songs such as ‘Celebrate’ and ‘Spring Chicken’.

“All of the children enjoyed themselves and sang with gusto.

“I know the headteachers of the schools would like to thank the diocese for organising such a brilliant morning – we’re already looking forward to the next one.”