Watch as pupils and teachers in Billingshurst find a novel way of keeping in touch during lockdown

A village school has come up with a novel way of keeping teachers and pupils in touch with each other during the coronavirus lockdown.
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The school - Billingshurst Primary - got the pupils to video themselves as a way of maintaining a form of contact when they can’t physically meet up with friends.

The children recorded themselves waving and dancing and Abi Smith, a mum of three youngsters at the school, collected all the clips and put themm together in a short video.

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“Without telling them I also included the lollipop man, teachers, librarian and headteacher so they could see and watch the video as many times as they want and spot their friends too,” said Abi.

Abi Smith with her children who are pupils at Billingshurst Primary School SUS-200304-122438001Abi Smith with her children who are pupils at Billingshurst Primary School SUS-200304-122438001
Abi Smith with her children who are pupils at Billingshurst Primary School SUS-200304-122438001

“It is a nice way of seeing each other as so many of them missed their friends.”

School staf featured in the film include headteacher Helen Wlliamson, librarian Mrs Robson, and lollipop man John Gooderham.

Other staff - Miss Jolley, Mrs Hampson and Mrs Mason - are all currently on maternity leave but also took part.

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“They all have had to stay safe at home and I know they are really missing the children,” added Abi.

The video has so far been shared and watched more than 1,000 times.

Meanwhile the charity Home Start has been in touch with Abi. “They loved the idea of the video so much and wanted help in putting their own one together.

“It’s lovely that our video is putting smiles on people’s faces and helping others in similar situations.” said Abi.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

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In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

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In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

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