by Terry Bearpark
As part of their community engagement remit, pupils from the Keyingham Primary School student council visited St Wilfrid’s Church in Ottringham for an immersive experience of the ancient building now in urgent need of repair and restoration.
Student councillors learned about the building’s long history, even before its dedication to St Wilfrid in the 11th century, from Dr Louise Hampson, director of the Centre for Christianity and Culture at the University of York.
They also found out about the architectural details that give clues to the history and development of the building through the ages and received a warm welcome from Rev Simon Clark, who explained his role in caring for the whole community. To round off the visit, each of the pupils had the opportunity to ring the church bells in celebration.
Iain Ogilvie, project lead for the restoration of St Wilfrid’s Church, thanked the students for their interest and support, explaining the importance of continuing the legacy of the historic building and its role in the community for generations to come.