Tritlington C of E First School, a small rural church school near Morpeth, has received a generous £5,000 donation from Northumberland Freemasons to help complete a new Peace Garden—a quiet, calming space for children and the local community to enjoy.
Joint Headteachers Jill O’Dell and Katherine Stevenson lead the school, which prides itself on small class sizes and a holistic approach to education that fosters academic progress and well-being. The Peace Garden will support this vision by offering a sanctuary for reflection and calm for children aged three to 10 and community groups such as Rainbows, Brownies, and other local clubs.
“As joint headteachers of Tritlington School, we feel strongly that while we are charged with ensuring academic success, we also take a holistic approach, ensuring we support and nurture pupils’ wellbeing too,” said Jill O’Dell. “This garden will offer children a sensory-rich, inclusive space to reflect, regulate and restore.”
The Peace Garden is fully accessible and inclusive, designed to support those with physical and sensory impairments. It will feature plants that stimulate the five senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste—making it a peaceful retreat and a learning resource.
“We’ve planted sensory plants—those that have unique smells, make sounds in the wind, and even some we can taste,” added Katherine Stevenson. “It’s a special place for children to explore during breaks, and we’re extremely grateful to all organisations that have supported us. School budgets are stretched, and projects like this simply wouldn’t be possible without community backing.”
The garden was officially blessed by Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, who visited the school for a special ceremony with pupils.
“Even in a small space like this, we’re reminded of the need to step back, reflect, and find peace,” said Bishop Helen-Ann. “Spaces like the Peace Garden ripple out into the world with a much-needed sense of calm and hope.”
Ian Craigs, representing Northumberland Freemasons, attended the ceremony and spoke warmly about the organisation’s support for community causes.
“It’s been a fantastic morning seeing the Peace Garden come to life,” he said. “Whether it’s individual lodges—like Lodge Temperance, which donated £100 for plants—or larger contributions like this one, Freemasons are committed to supporting young people and nurturing wonderful good causes such as this one.”
The £5,000 donation came through the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund, which donates around £160,000 annually to local causes across Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside. From food banks to youth development projects, the Freemasons’ contributions help strengthen communities throughout the region.
To learn more about Freemasonry or to explore membership opportunities, visit www.northumberlandmasons.org.uk.