Easliegh school that changed Easter events 'valued', says Bishop
A school that faced a backlash after it said it would not be holding traditional Easter events is "deeply valued" in its community, a Bishop has said.Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, said it would not be holding its Easter bonnet parade and Easter service at a local church.Some said the decision was "disgraceful", but a parent told the BBC the row was "a storm in a teacup" and the school still marked Easter with activities and events.The Bishop of Southampton, Rhiannon King, said she and other Christian leaders had contacted the school and had been invited to visit.
The school, which has no religious affiliation, said the changes were made so "all children are able to take part"."The local vicar of Eastleigh Parish Church, the minister of Eastleigh Baptist Church and I have been in touch with the head teacher and this has been warmly welcomed," Bishop Rhiannon said.
"We are encouraged by the head teacher's assurance that learning about Christian faith remains embedded firmly in the Religious Education curriculum and by her warm invitation to go in and meet some of the children in the new term – an offer we would be delighted to accept," she said."Meanwhile, we encourage everyone to enable the staff and children of Norwood Primary School to celebrate the end of term and Easter in peace."
In her initial letter to parents, head teacher Stephanie Mander said the decision had been made "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented" in the school's community."Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background," she said in a letter to parents.Among those critical, former home secretary and Hampshire MP Suella Braverman said it represented "cultural surrender".
You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
New Shotts Boys' Brigade company host first annual display
Rev Phil Geary, Captain, welcomed the company members and parents to the EU Congregational Hall including guest of honour Mrs Gillian Agnew from 1st Shotts Girls Brigade, and MP Kenneth Stevenson. A new Boys Brigade Company has been established in Shotts and the members of 3rd Shotts took part in their first annual display and presentation of awards. Rev Phil Geary, Captain, welcomed the company members and parents to the EU Congregational Hall including guest of honour Mrs Gillian Agnew from 1st Shotts Girls Brigade, and MP Kenneth Stevenson. Rev Phil said: 'It's seeming a little surreal that two years ago, the idea if a BB hadn't even been dreamt up, yet here we are at the end of the first year. 'The boys have worked hard in everything we have thrown at them, not least this display which has meant al of the boys are stepping out of their comfort zone in one way, shape or form, so please encourage them along the way.' Rev Phil also thanked his officers Andy Allan, Sean Chalmers, Naomi Geary, Yvette Geary, Martin Phillips, Edith Ross, and Jim Williams, with Helpers Morag Forsyth and Janice Whitefield, for all their efforts for the company and their work with the young people, He also expressed thanks to David Sneddon who was part of team who trained the officers of the new BB Company which adopted the 3rd Shotts title, which was formerly used 30 years ago. Throughout this first year the boys took part in the annual Remembrance Service at the War Memorial and in the church; along with the Sunday School, they were involved in making shoeboxes for boys and girls in parts of the world who wouldn't have ordinarily receive a gift at Christmas. The boys also enjoyed a number of outings, including a trip to the bowling alley with members of 1st Shotts GB. A highlight of the year was a trip to Northern Ireland which was a great success. Regular meetings include scripture lesson, games, crafts and activities, all of which counts towards boys gaining their badges at the end of term. The boys have learned the discipline of arranging themselves in squads, the importance of teamwork and supporting those who need a little extra help; and being aware of their surroundings and the need to enjoy and respect the world around them. The evening also included the opening prayer by Martin Phillips, Scripture Readings by Jim Williams and Janie Whitefield, and closing prayer by Edith Ross. Everyone joined in the final hymn which is associated with Boys Brigade 'Will Your Anchor Hold'. Rev Phil completed the evening by saying: 'As you will see and hear, we are unashamedly a Christian organisation and we seek to present the Gospel to the boys each week and also to instil in them good Christian morals that will no doubt be of help as they grow into young men.'
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
The full Moon in June is called Strawberry Moon due to it coinciding with the start of summer and the beginning of strawberry harvest season. The night of June 10 may be the best time to see the Straw
This video More videos There is not expected to be a full Moon this low again until 2043 - when to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK? Keep up with the latest new videos with the Shots! Newsletter. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... June 2025's Strawberry Moon is set to delight stargazers in the UK. Here's all you need to know about the Strawberry Moon, including what Strawberry Moon means, how rare a Strawberry Moon is and when to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What does Strawberry Moon mean? The name Strawberry Moon has nothing to do with the colour the Moon will appear. The full Moon in June is called Strawberry Moon due to it coinciding with the start of summer and the beginning of strawberry harvest season. According to the BBC's Sky at Night Magazine, the name is thought to have originated from Native American culture, especially the Algonquin tribe, who used it to signal the start of wild strawberry picking in the northeastern United States. How rare is a Strawberry Moon? The Strawberry Moon occurs in June each year. However, this Strawberry Moon is rare due to how low it will be in the sky, as a result of a 'major lunar standstill' earlier this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The BBC says this happens when the Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the Earth, rising and setting at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon. This happens every 18.6 years, with another Moon this low not expected until 2043. When to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK? The night of June 10 may be the best time to see the Strawberry Moon, as the Met Office are forecasting clear skies for parts of the UK. Met Office UK weather forecast for night of June 10 Dry this evening, with clear spells across the country. Little change tonight, with variable cloud and clear spells. The clearest skies in the north, where it will turn chilly. Mild in the south though with some patchy fog forming too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
The full Moon in June is called Strawberry Moon due to it coinciding with the start of summer and the beginning of strawberry harvest season. The night of June 10 may be the best time to see the Straw
This video More videos There is not expected to be a full Moon this low again until 2043 - when to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK? Keep up with the latest new videos with the Shots! Newsletter. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... June 2025's Strawberry Moon is set to delight stargazers in the UK. Here's all you need to know about the Strawberry Moon, including what Strawberry Moon means, how rare a Strawberry Moon is and when to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What does Strawberry Moon mean? The name Strawberry Moon has nothing to do with the colour the Moon will appear. The full Moon in June is called Strawberry Moon due to it coinciding with the start of summer and the beginning of strawberry harvest season. According to the BBC's Sky at Night Magazine, the name is thought to have originated from Native American culture, especially the Algonquin tribe, who used it to signal the start of wild strawberry picking in the northeastern United States. How rare is a Strawberry Moon? The Strawberry Moon occurs in June each year. However, this Strawberry Moon is rare due to how low it will be in the sky, as a result of a 'major lunar standstill' earlier this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The BBC says this happens when the Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the Earth, rising and setting at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon. This happens every 18.6 years, with another Moon this low not expected until 2043. When to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK? The night of June 10 may be the best time to see the Strawberry Moon, as the Met Office are forecasting clear skies for parts of the UK. Met Office UK weather forecast for night of June 10 Dry this evening, with clear spells across the country. Little change tonight, with variable cloud and clear spells. The clearest skies in the north, where it will turn chilly. Mild in the south though with some patchy fog forming too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
