Member Article

Father Christmas Comes to Cambois

Things might be a little different this year but this didn’t stop Father Christmas spreading some festive cheer with a surprise for children at Cambois Primary School.

He might be more used to reindeer power, but this year Father Christmas turned to the power of technology to carry out a virtual visit whilst bringing a touch of much-needed magic to 2020.

On Friday 11 December over 80 pupils were surprised with treats including books, selection boxes and personalised decorations as well as a chance to talk to the big man himself.

Each class enjoyed a chat with Father Christmas and were given presents, hot chocolate and biscuits to share during the visit.

The festivities were arranged by the North Sea Link Interconnector project, which has been working closely with the school for many years. The team from North Sea Link often support the school food bank as well as arranging many educational activities.

Once complete North Sea Link, which is a joint venture between electricity system operators National Grid and Statnett, will become the world’s longest subsea interconnector and enable renewable energy to be shared between the UK and Norway.

This year has been a particularly difficult for the school, which has had to deal with a break in and broken school bus, alongside the stresses of lockdown and teaching through the pandemic.

Not only have they supported their pupils, staff and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout lockdown to feed families in need throughout the local community – turning their school bus into a mobile food bank.

Strict Covid-19 restrictions meant the North Sea Link team were unable to visit the school in person but they were determined not to let this stop the Christmas magic.

North Sea Link communications manager Sallyanne Barson said: “This year has been really different and challenging for pupils across the country. Covid-19 has caused so much disruption and sadly for pupils at Cambois Primary School, this has meant that our planned events were unable to go ahead.

“We’ve always admired the school and their work with the local community and this year they really have gone above and beyond to support each other.

“We were determined to do something memorable and festive for pupils at the school and are thrilled to hear that it was a big success.”

Cambois Primary School head teacher Marianne Allan added: “We’re really grateful to the North Sea Link team for the ongoing support they’ve shown us over the years, it really means a lot to us.

“The children had a brilliant morning with Father Christmas. It was a lovely way to end the year and we’re certainly feeling very festive.”

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