The community at St Peter’s C of E Academy in Chippenham has been admiring a wonderful Remembrance Day display created by teaching assistant Mrs Sharon Leakey, with one of her paintings at its centre.
The display also included the scroll and Widows Penny issued to the family of headteacher Mr Gordon Nunn following the death of his great-uncle Samuel Hall in 1918. The display was a great focal point for the school’s work on Remembrance and Mrs Leakey intends to sell her artwork to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
“Each year on Remembrance day, Mrs Leakey creates a commemorative painting, inspired by a friend of hers who was a soldier who died in Afghanistan,” explained Mr Nunn. “At school this year we are improving the quality of displays so Mrs Leakey took control of the Remembrance themed one.
“The school children were impressed greatly by Mrs Leakey’s painting skills and at first didn’t believe she had actually done it! The display provided a central point in the school to mark Remembrance, with the children able to see their own work on display alongside learning about the medals presented to soldiers’ families.
“Year 6 children are currently learning about Britain at War and have studied themes from the First World War, including the lives and experiences of soldiers, conscription and why the war started. Seeing the medals really brought this to life.
“It has been wonderful to have this beautiful painting on display to help commemorate Remembrance Day. The display has been complimented by all visitors to the school and we are very grateful to and proud of Mrs Leakey.”