THE Bishop of Chester has finally be able to open a new £10million building at a Northwich senior school.

On Tuesday this week (June 29) Hartford Church of England High School welcomed Bishop Mark Tanner to the site to open Veritas, a brand building containing state of the art facilities.

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Head Teacher Mike Holland explained the importance of the new building and how it fits perfectly with the ethos of the school.

He said: "Veritas was opened in March 2020 – a £10 000 000 build funded by the Department for Education – and the other main building took the name Caritas.

"The names of the buildings come from our school motto: Caritas et Veritas; named for the Love and Truth of Jesus Christ.

"We refer to them in this way and not as buildings because we want the bricks and mortar to be part of our living and breathing vision."

The Bishop spent a few hours at the school, where he was quizzed by four Year 9 Ambassadors as well as speaking to the small gathering outside the building.

Mr Holland added: "This was a very small scale, socially distanced outside event but no less important to us for that.

"We want our students to know caritas: empathy, kindness and serving others, 'abounding in love and faithfulness'.

"The House ribbons were cut by Mrs Julia Harries, our longest serving member of staff, and our youngest Year 7 student, Leah Moss.

"We are really looking forward to the day when we can invite parents back into school so that they can see the fantastic facilities our children are able to benefit from."

Northwich Guardian: Mr and Mrs Harries have dedicated more than 80 years service to the school

Mr and Mrs Harries have dedicated more than 80 years service to the school

For Mrs Harries, the cutting of the ribbon on Veritas was not the only honour bestowed on her as both her and her husband Graham were honoured by having the sports hall named after them - The Harries' Sports Hall.

"Part of the event on Tuesday was the naming of our Sports Hall," Mr Holland explained.

"This is named for Graham and Julia Harries who cut the House ribbons to declare the Sports Hall formally open; Mrs Harries retires this year after 43 years at the school.

"Between them Graham and Julia have given over 80 years of service to the young people who have attended our school.

"It is right that we honour them in this way to mark their incredible dedication and contribution to the school and local community.

"It is also an excellent opportunity to educate our children and the wider community on the correct use of the possessive apostrophe."