Baydon church service in honour of the retirement of Peter Chambers as Head Teacher

 

A de-commissioning service was held at St Nicholas Church on Sunday 17th July 2016 in honour of Peter Chambers’ retirement as Head Teacher of the school. The church was filled to capacity with parents, pupils, colleagues and friends both past and present. The Governors had laid on a fine spread of cakes and refreshments afterwards in the school hall.

 

The previous chair of governors, Denise Mathewson sent a speech (as she was on holiday) which was read and added to by ex-vice chair Bridget Walker. Current chair Lesley Whelan also thank Peter for his hard work and dedication building the school into an excellent place for the children and for his commitment to the community as a whole. The whole ethos of the school, she said, reflected Peter’s leadership. She then presented him with a rose and gift vouchers. He was also presented with a small gift from the Salisbury Diocese. In his speech Mr Chambers said that he had been teaching for 38 years, and 24 of those years had been in Baydon. He had seen the school grow from 3 classes and 68 children housed in 2 classrooms and the hall, to the splendid building it is today with 5 classrooms and offices accommodating 5 classes totalling 127 children.

 

The school gave a tribute to Mr Chambers as he retires, at the Church on Wednesday 20th July 2016. It was a time of laughter and tears as each class gave their contribution to the service.  Skylarks class began with their own version of Farewell from the Sound of Music. Goldfinches had written an acrostic poem describing Mr Chamber’s qualities. Robins reminded him of his favourite Easter song “I am a spring chicken”, singing and doing the actions. Kites put on a “Strictly Come Baydon” sketch with Mr Chambers being coerced into acting as one of the four judges. In their prayers the children spoke of his constant and strong leadership over the 24 years. Kites brought in photographs of a fresh young head, and many more of the past years. The final placard was just “Thank You”.   Mrs Lisa Bond presented Mr Chambers with a large book, from all the children’s families. Mrs Amanda Bond and Ben Harris presented a gift from Wagtails, the after school club. The whole service closed with children’s prayers and a song from their recent production “Circle of Life” from the Lion King - by Barbara Furber.

 

 

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