Articles - Miscellaneous

John Jamieson School comes to St Eds

In December it was great to welcome to St Edmund's church, the children, young adults and staff from John Jamieson School. They came to hold their Carol Service and were also able to invite parents, transport providers and others who have links with their school. John Jamieson school is outside our parish but we were able to offer both the space and disabled access that was needed

There were many pupils present who are wheelchair users and it was a real gift to be able to use the lift to the left of the dais: this provided wheelchair access and meant that a wheelchair user could be part of the tableau they presented.

The Carol Service was a joyful occasion, many of the pupils took part, some formed an impromptu choir, others shared their thoughts and poems. Tea and mince pies in the Church Hall rounded off the event and again it was good to have in place the facilities for disabled people.

Thanks to all those people who have worked to make St Edmund's more accessible to those who live with disabilities. Their efforts have made it possible for many more people, including those from our own congregation, to use the building with ease and to feel included in what most of us can, so easily, take for granted.

Lesley Ashton

30 December, 2005