Staff and pupils at Wilton Primary School have set aside a special part of their playground in memory of a much loved member of staff.
A memorial garden has been created by the youngsters who wanted to create something at the school to remember teaching assistant, Maxine Wilkinson.
Maxine, whose last role at the school was as a teaching assistant, had played a huge part in the school for over 15 years, touching the hearts of all the children.
Sadly, Maxine, of Lazenby, passed away in September 2013 at the age of 46 following a battle with breast cancer.
The garden’s colour theme of purple was chosen by the children as this was Maxine’s favourite colour.
Alongside a bench where the children can sit for a moment to reflect at playtime, a tree was also planted as well as numerous flowers.
At the official opening of the memorial garden this week, headteacher, Alison Hill, 47 said: “The children have been very much part of designing the garden.
“They were keen for it not to be an area away from where play time happens so that they can come and go from the garden as they please.
“They have put their wishes on the fence and on the tree for Maxine.”
The youngsters will be planting more plants and a water feature will also be placed in the centre of the garden.
Alison, who worked with Maxine for eight years said: “All of the children had a very good relationship with Maxine as we are a very small school.”
Following the opening of the garden which was attended by parents, children also engaged in arts and craft activities. Instead of the usual coffee morning, a coffee afternoon was also held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. To round off the afternoon, each child launched a balloon in Maxine’s memory, with the messages attached to their tree in the memorial garden.
Alison said: “Maxine had a very bubbly personality with a huge heart.
“She loved being part of the school community and making a difference to the children within it.”
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