Chilton Trinity's Christmas tribute to teacher and governor (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Chilton Trinity's Christmas tribute to teacher and governor

4:00pm Thursday 20th December 2012 in Bridgwater Area News By Matthew Colledge

A BRIDGWATER school has created a lasting memorial following the deaths of a popular teacher and a much-loved governor.

Charlie Carr, who was connected with Chilton Trinity for 40 years, passed away this month at the age of 83.

He was a governor of 20 years and chair of the school’s finance committee.

A large portrait of Charlie has been placed on a wall at the school and a seven-foot memorial Christmas tree has been put in the reception area.

There, students can leave messages of remembrance for Charlie, and also for Andy Coling, Chilton Trinity’s head of PE, who died five years ago this month, following a motorbike crash on his way to work.

Students are also being invited to leave messages for their own loved ones who have died.

Pastoral team leader of year seven, Katherine Hollinghurst, said the tree was proving very popular with students.

Head teacher Lesley Greenway added: “The Christmas tree will allow the school to remember Andy and Charlie, and also allow students to remember people in their own lives who have died.

“Charlie was a governor for over 20 years and a great servant to this school. He will be greatly missed. He has been associated with the school for over 40 years as a parent and grandparent of Chilton students.”

The tree will collect hundreds of notes and messages before being given to a local nursing home before Christmas.

The notes and messages will then be turned into a remembrance book.

A permanent tree is set to be planted and landscaped outside the school building next year, with a plaque in honour of Andy Coling.