Over 140 children from six local primary schools gathered at Down Ampney C of E Primary School on Ash Wednesday this year for ‘Experience Lent’.
Pupils from Ampney Crucis, Hatherop, Kempsford, Meysey Hampton and Southrop joined the Down Ampney students for an interactive journey through Lent at All Saints’ Church, Down Ampney.
The day began with a visit to the newly created Spirituality Garden, before walking through the village to the church. They had the chance to see the newly installed stained-glass window dedicated to Ralph Vaughan Williams, the village’s most celebrated figure.
Then, guided by the ‘Experience Lent’ resource, the pupils were split into 18 groups and rotated through six prepared stations that each represented an important part of Lent. Each station was built and led by school staff and volunteers.
Activities included listening to Bible stories, feeling real sackcloth and ash, making ID cards, and doing an experiment involving pepper and a bowl of water.
The church was decorated with plants, luggage and passports to represent the journey of Lent – from the lengthening of the days which gives Lent its name, through to Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, the baptism and temptations of Jesus, and finally to the road towards Easter.
Rebecca Gray, the Headteacher at Down Ampney C of E Primary School, said: “Our hope was that the multi-sensory experience would help children and adults understand that Lent is a positive time of preparation for Easter – and not just about giving up chocolate.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to the Revd Canon John Swanton and other members of the church community who supported the event.”
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