3 sheep and 2 lambs have been welcomed on Wightlink’s flagship St Clare, as she sailed across the Solent from Fishbourne to Portsmouth.
The life-sized creatures, made of fibreglass and decorated by Isle of Wight children, were being shepherded by the Reverend Allie Kerr, Anglican Area Dean for the Island’s churches, as part of the diocese’s Ewe Matter project. They will form part of a 70-strong flock in Portsmouth Cathedral for several Year 6 leaving services for Church of England primary school pupils.
Reverend Kerr explains:
“Ewe Matter is all about helping the children to realise that everyone matters. We invited pupils from five schools to use their creativity and inspiration to decorate the sheep, reflecting each school’s identity and values. I know the children will be thrilled to see them in the Cathedral and thank Wightlink for transporting them to the mainland.”
Wightlink’s Operations Director Elwyn Dop says the company was pleased to get involved:
“Although we often carry livestock for Island farmers, we don’t transport multi-coloured fibreglass sheep that frequently. Captain Mike Smith and the crew of St Clare were delighted to help them on their way”.
Jeff Williams, Director of Education for Portsmouth and Winchester’s C of E dioceses, adds:
“We’re really excited about Ewe Matter and I’ve been so pleased by how enthusiastically students and teachers across the diocese have embraced it.
Article continues below this advertisement “These sheep have provided an impetus for students to think about what makes their community great, and what they can learn from people from other generations.”
Island schools involved in Ewe Matter included Arreton St George’s; Oakfield Primary, Ryde; Shalfleet Primary; Yarmouth Primary and St Blasius Academy, Shanklin
