Children and parents from Winterfold School gathered together on Thursday 3rd October for a service to celebrate the feast of St Francis.

The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.

The children were delighted to be able to bring their much loved pets to School.  There were many breeds of dog ranging from Springer Spaniels and Labradors to Dachshunds and Beagles.  Two rather splendid British Bulldogs stole the show, not to mention the tortoise, the rabbit and two cats who appeared very relaxed.    

Whoever said never to work with children and animals should have joined the many in attendance at the School’s Secret Garden – an area set aside for prayer, or quiet contemplation. Not a bark was heard during the prayers led by Father Lamb from St Ambrose Church, with everyone enjoying a rousing rendition of All Things Bright and Beautiful.  One parent commented “I wish we could start the morning off like this every day.”