Pupils' dreams come true (From Barry And District News)

Pupils' dreams come true

WHEN the bride walked serenely up the aisle to meet her proud groom there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

So much preparation, nerves and excitement had preceded this moment, just like at every wedding.

But the emotions were running particularly high at St Helen's Roman Catholic Church, Barry, on Friday, November 4 - for this was no ordinary celebration of marriage.

This was a unique lesson in relationships and life skills organised for the 98 pupils of Maes Dyfan Special School in Barry.

The pupils range in age from three to 19, their disabilities from mild to severe, but they were united in their happiness at the occasion.

Their rendition of All Things Bright and Beautiful almost raised the roof of the church, as did their cheer when the bride and groom finally pecked each other on the cheek.

What everyone, from Parish Priest Father Pat O'Gorman who conducted the service to special guests like Vale of Glamorgan Councillor and former School Governor Emlyn Williams, remarked upon was the excellent behaviour of all the pupils.

Bride for the day was 14-year-old Sarah McFarland, looking radiant in a traditional white dress made by her mum Sue.

Her groom was 12-year-old Sam Lazenbury, who gallantly looked after Sarah at every step.

The much-loved Bible reading Love is Patient and Kind was said beautifully by bridesmaid, Amy Mitchell, aged 13. And you could have heard a pin drop as usher Naomi Baelz, also 13, sang Enya's Once You Had Gold, in a crystal-clear voice.

For Sarah and Sam, who both have learning difficulties, the favourite part of a very moving ceremony was the lighting of candles to celebrate their friendship (although riding back to school in a chauffeur-driven BMW probably came a close second!)

Back at school in Gibbonsdown Rise, the plain old school canteen had been transformed into a vision of lilac and white for the wedding breakfast.

Local businesses Bob's Balloons of Barry donated lilac balloons, Crazy Daisies of Barry gave flowers, Sew Simple of Barry donated fabric for the wedding favours, and Casper Jack's of Cardiff gave hand-decorated glasses for the bride and groom.

The wedding cake, topped with lilac butterflies and flowers, was made by headteacher Iorylle Aubrey's niece.

The children's class teacher, Joy Bannister, said the wedding began as an English topic but grew to incorporate religious education, music and history.

"It's also taught the children how to work together and the importance of relationships and commitment to another person," she added.

"They've been as high as kites this week, but it's been fabulous."

In typical mother of the bride fashion, Sarah's mum Sue was instrumental in helping to organise the event.

"We've tried to make it all as authentic as possible because it could be the only time Sarah gets married," she said.

"I feel so proud of Sarah, Sam and all the children, but they couldn't have done it without this brilliant school.