Pupils at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington are remembering former classmate Elias with the opening of a special new Memory Garden at the school.
Elias, who attended the nursery and school from 2022 to 2025, sadly died from a brain tumour last year aged five. The new garden was officially opened at the end of last term on 2 April, following months of fundraising and support from the local community.
Created with the support of Elias’s parents, Jake and Abbie, the garden has been designed as a peaceful outdoor space where children can play, relax and reflect. Since the start of this term, pupils have been spending time in the garden during the school day.
The large outdoor area includes seating, pathways, raised beds for vegetables and herbs, a musical area and quiet corners where children can read or enjoy time outside. At the heart of the garden is a memory tree where pupils, staff and families can leave messages and remember Elias.
Cathie Lampert, Headteacher at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery, said, “Elias was a much-loved member of our school family who brought kindness, laughter and joy during his time with us.
“Elias’s Memory Garden has been created so his memory can continue to live within our school – a peaceful place where children can sit, talk with friends, read and enjoy being outdoors. It also reflects the kindness of our community and will always stand as a place of friendship, peace and joy for the children of our school.”
The school community raised more than £10,000 towards the project through a series of fundraising activities. These included taking part in Radstock & Westfield Big Local’s ‘Dragons’ Den’, donations from local charities and a penalty shoot-out event with Bristol Rovers player Scott Sinclair.
St Mary’s is one of 17 schools supported by The Partnership Trust.
Emily Massey, CEO of the Trust, said, “The opening of the Memory Garden in honour of Elias is a tribute to how special he was and the impact he had on pupils, staff and the wider school community.
“It also reflects the dedication of this close-knit school community, its supporters and Elias’s parents in creating a lasting place to remember him.”
