ST Mary’s Primary School in Bentworth opened its doors to the community last week for a generation game that saw children and adults come together to share skills.

Following on from the successful launch event last term, the focus this time was on ‘enjoyment and relaxation’, with people from the villages sharing in knitting, jigsaw puzzles and sketching.

With the cows watching on, there were also some physical challenges such as skipping and circuit exercises using the school’s fitness centre. The most popular area, however, was the relaxation room where sensory lighting on the ceiling and meditative Bach set the scene for the three hand massage stations, kindly provided by Taylored Beauty of Alton.

One of the children, Oscar, said: “I liked the [mindful] colouring. I sat with new different people.” Eliza added that she “really liked the lights in the relaxing room” and Abi said: “I feel all wobbly and really relaxed. I didn’t know this would relax me like that.”

St Mary’s School headteacher Jo Ayres said: “Mental health of children is discussed a great deal at the moment. We feel looking after the whole child is absolutely fundamental and supporting children in this way is so important in developing life skills and raising awareness.

“Using this project to bring our communities together even further was very special and I am sure it will go from strength and strength.”

This project was part of Hampshire’s inter-generational project enabling rural schools to share events with valued communities, reducing isolation and enriching the learning of the children.

The next event, which remains a surprise, has a “special project” for all the Bentworth school catchment area which embraces Lasham, Herriard, Beech, Shalden and Alton, Four Marks and Medstead, culminating in a “wonderful outside display” for the whole community, said a school spokesman.

To get involved, call 01420 562117 or e-mail [email protected].