Pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School welcomed an ex-pupil, all the way from North Carolina, USA, to their Easter Extravaganza show.
Ex-pupil, Nick Walton, lived in South Church Bishop Auckland, as a young boy.
He saw the school being built in 1972 before he enrolled there two years later in 1974, studying at St Andrew’s until he left in year 6 to live in America.
Recently, Nick, who is now an aeroplane pilot with American Airways, searched the internet for his school and found their website.
He saw that the children were raising money to buy new books for their library and got in touch with the Headteacher, Mrs Nicola James, and offered to buy new books for the school.
With his generous donation, Mrs James bought books about being a pilot, planes and airports to put in the “Aspirations” section of their school library, with the hope that they will inspire the children to have dreams of being a successful pilot and see the world, just as Mr Walton did when he lived in Bishop Auckland.
On Friday 8th April, Nick and his wife Amanda, visited the school and met the children to share and enjoy their Easter celebration as a guest of honour at the official opening of the school’s new Reading Den.
The Den is a space where children can read and enjoy books during their playtimes and lunchtimes.
Nick said, “This is an amazing space, I wish I had had something like this when I was a boy.”
His wife added that, “this is where you would have found me at recess.”
The Headteacher was delighted to welcome the couple to the school and hear the memories Nick had of being at St Andrew’s Primary School – previously called Henknowle Primary School – nearly 50 years ago, especially as they will be celebrating their 50th birthday in November this year.
She said, “It was wonderful to meet Nick and show him around the school and for him to meet the children and staff.
“The children were so proud to show off their school and tell Nick about all the things they love about St Andrew’s.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
