PATIENT pupils were given an insight into advent by two very important visitors to their village school.
The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, and the Rector of All Saints Church, the Rev Stephen Gamble, spent the morning at Pickhill C of E Primary School, near Thirsk, exploring the meaning of Christmas.
She told the children: “We are currently enjoying advent, a time of waiting, when we must learn to be patient before celebrating the birth of Jesus.
“I love the variety of my job; one minute I am among the grandeur of Ripon Cathedral, the next sharing this lovely time of year with children in the villages.”
Rev Gamble added: “I visit Pickhill School every Thursday to conduct the act of worship and when I mentioned this to the Bishop she jumped at the chance to join me.”
Head teacher Rowena Sykes said the children had thoroughly enjoyed showing the Bishop their school, performing Christmas songs for her and having lunch together.
“As a Bishop, Rt Rev Hartley must be incredibly busy and we are delighted that she found the time to support our village school with a visit,” she said.
“The children hung on her every word and I am sure they will remember the experience for years to come.”