Having just returned from the second of our celebration concerts this evening, I'm feeling truly humbled yet incredibly proud of our school community.

The children's music and voices filled the rafters of St. Mary's with love and joy as they paid tribute to our much-loved and missed Mrs Clarke.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 delivered the cute factor this afternoon, whereas KS2 tugged on our heartstrings this evening. The talent and dedication of the staff inspired the children to perform many songs from Mrs Clarke's repertoire with such gusto. What a superb job they did!

Both performances were made extra special, having been attended by Mrs Clarke's husband Marc and her daughter Rachel; Marc's closing words were a perfect ending.

Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for their support. The generosity of our school community never ceases to amaze me. As I mentioned in church, we sold over £2000 worth of tickets; that added to the £500+ from the collection at Christmas plus an estimated £500 collections today means we have made a fantastic start to raising the £10k needed to fund equipment for the outdoor musical memorial garden. Please keep your fingers crossed that our lottery bid will be successful in funding the remaining amount. For anyone who was unable to make the performance but would still like to donate, the school office will continue to accept your kind donations.

For those of us who were blessed to know Mrs Clarke, her memory will live on in our hearts and even for those who didn't know her, you will be blessed in many ways by the legacy she leaves at Oldswinford.

Please join me in sending a prayer of thanks for this wonderful lady and her amazing family.