Cliffedale Gallery of Special Events

Cliffedale Christingle Service 

Our Acorns did a super job at making each class a Christingle for our service today. Thank you to Mandy at Leadenham Farm Shop who kindly donated the oranges for this. The whole school enjoyed a lovely virtual service.

Children in Need

Well done to our Pudsey colouring competition winners, chosen by the Children's Council. 

Mrs. Nora Bryan BCAe

Last year a nomination for a British Citizen Award was made in recognition of Mrs Bryan’s contributions to education through her volunteer work in school. The purpose of the programme is to recognise those individuals that are making a positive contribution to their community, society or chosen cause, in the hope that it encourages them to continue and others to emulate their good deed. BCA recipients are all extraordinary people from across the country who have a commitment to improving the lives of others. They come from all over the country to be honoured at the Palace of Westminster.

Just over 27 years ago, a neighbour, and former member of staff mentioned to Nora that the local school needed a midday meals supervisor.  Nora applied and was around whenever needed by the school as cover.  Following her retirement two years later, Nora became a permanent member of the midday team.  One of the teachers enquired if Nora would have time to listen to her class pupils read each week.  From that moment, Nora’s volunteering role snowballed and despite her growing family, she found the time to listen to classes read throughout the school.  Her timetable now is every morning and afternoon, with classes eager to read with her.

Nora is warm and knowledgeable and at 80-years-old, shows no signs of reducing her volunteering at the school.  She is dedicated and committed to the children and families of Cliffedale Primary school and has given her time and energy so freely over 27 years, to enable the children to have someone to read to. 

Mrs Bryan was invited to a formal presentation at The Palace of Westminster to be awarded and honoured the BCA recognition of her voluntary work in school. It was a very special day and Mrs Bryan had afternoon tea by the river before receiving her specially struck medal of recognition inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. She then went on an open top bus for a lap of honour before being presented with her certificate. Mrs Bryan’s family travelled to London with her to share in her special day. Nora is such a humble lady and lady of very few words. When asked by BCA to comment her response was

“I am amazed, and feel very privileged to receive this award”. 

On her return a special assembly was held to celebrate Mrs Bryan’s achievements. She shared her exciting day with the children and showed them her medal and certificate.

Roger Bannister, a School Governor and who helped with the idea of nominating Mrs Bryan said “As a governor it is important to ensure that the school is running effectively and safely but also spotting really first class efforts by staff members including the many volunteers. The governors felt that Mrs Bryan was a very worthy nomination and we were right -the subsequent recognition of her outstanding voluntary service brought us all a degree of excitement and a massive thankyou to her from us all”.

This well-deserved award is in recognition of Mrs Bryans dedication to Cliffedale and all of the children that have been supported with their reading over the years. Mrs Bryan remembers all of the children both current and former and gets so much pleasure from meeting them out in the local community. . Come rain, snow or shine Mrs Bryan can usually be found in school listening to the pupils of Cliffedale read.

 The pupils, staff and governors would like to thank Mrs Bryan for her continued support. The contribution that Mrs Bryan makes to our school is so significant and valuable. She is such a well-loved member of the Cliffedale Family and holds a special place in our hearts.

 Rosemary from The Grantham Canal Society came into assembly to talk to us about the history of the canal and the lock restoration. Rosemary came in period dress and showed us some of the original bricks for the lock. Our photography club have been busy editing the photographs taken during the assembly.