St Mary’s Opens Memory Garden in Honour of Classmate

Pupils at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington are remembering their former classmate, Elias, following the launch of a new Memory Garden at the Radstock school. Elias, who sadly passed away from a brain tumour last year aged five, attended the nursery and school from 2022 to 2025.

With the support of Elias’s parents, Jake and Abbie, and the help of local businesses, garden designers, parents and the wider school community, the garden was built and officially opened at the end of last term (2 April). From this term, children have been able to spend time in the special space to play, relax and reflect.

The large garden features seating, pathways, raised beds for vegetables and herbs, a musical area and quiet spaces where pupils can read or spend time outdoors. At its centre is a memory tree where members of the St Mary’s community can leave messages and remember Elias.

St Mary’s Headteacher, Cathie Lampert, said:

“Elias was a much-loved member of our school family who brought kindness, laughter and joy during his time with us. Elias’s Memory Garden has been created so his memory can continue to live within our school – a peaceful place where children can sit, talk with friends, read and enjoy being outdoors. It also reflects the kindness of our community and will always stand as a place of friendship, peace and joy for the children of our school.”

The school community began fundraising for the Memory Garden last year and raised in excess of £10,000. Activities included taking part in Radstock & Westfield Big Local’s ‘Dragons’ Den’, donations from local charities and a penalty shoot-out event with Bristol Rovers player Scott Sinclair.

St Mary’s is one of 17 schools supported by The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust based in Radstock.

Emily Massey, CEO of the Trust, said:

“The opening of the Memory Garden in honour of Elias is a tribute to how special he was and the impact he had on pupils, staff and the wider school community. It also reflects the dedication of this close-knit school community, its supporters and Elias’s parents in creating a lasting place to remember him.”