Earlier this autumn term, during one of his assemblies in Feering Primary School, Father David had shown and explained to the children the meaning of the signs and symbols to be found in a church.    So it came about that at 1.15pm precisely an orderly 'crocodile' of children from class 3, escorted by their teacher and parent helpers, left FPS and headed for All Saints' church in Feering where they were met by Father David.

Everyone settled into the pews at the back and Father David took us on an oral tour of the historic church.  We learnt that Theobaldus was the first recorded incumbent of the parish and how Feering had been exchanged for Windsor by William the Conqueror.  The difference and significance of the various heraldic shields high up in the church was explained.

Throughout the afternoon the children were most attentive and were full of questions - hands shot up (and stayed up) awaiting their turn to ask about the numerous things which they saw and which interested them.  Starting at the back of the church with the font, we progressed through the church.  Father David produced a 'baby' doll used to demonstrate the various symbols which are used in the sacrament of baptism.

The Lady Chapel, pulpit, organ and choir stalls were all visited and their function and significance explained.  The children then moved into the sanctuary where they sat quietly and attentively.  The scenes depicted in the stained glass windows, the altar and its ornaments and the Pascal candle were drawn to their notice and they asked many questions

Throughout their visit their frequent questions on 'what is...?' were answered not only fully and at a level appropriate to their age but also the 'why?' was explained to them.  After a fascinating hour and a half for all of us, the children again resumed their orderly crocodile and returned to school.

I think that many of we accompanying adults had learnt a lot during the visit - having heard a great deal of explanations for the first time of things which we had previously not had the chance to question.

Thank you to Father David for his informative and enthralling explanations; to Mrs Fane, our church warden, for all her preparations in the church for our visit; to the teacher and parents for escorting the children.  Congratulations to the children themselves for their good behaviour, interest and asking so many pertinent questions.  A truly educational visit!