THEY have come full circle.
Seven months ago children at Weeton Primary School pulled out all the stops to wish their army dads a fond farewell before their tour of duty in Iraq.
Yesterday the tiny school put on a magical display of colour and light to welcome them home agai
n and into their “friendship ring”.
A week after the 600 troops flew in from Basra, those with children at the base school enjoyed a joy filled day.
Headteacher Chris Horrocks said: “While the dads were away it was rather grey, but now they’re back it’s like we have colour back in our lives.
“While they were away, no matter what was happening, we were all here for each other. But it’s wonderful to have families back together again, there have been far more smiles around school over the last week.”
All the children took part in the ceremony which culminated in the symbolic lighting of the school friendship candle.
One little girl took the torch of light from the friendship ring, a small statue made up of seven figures representing each year group, and lit the “human candle” with every child waving their yellow ribbon flames.
Mr Horrocks added: “We light the candle to welcome new friends or say goodbye to those who are leaving us.
“This was a celebration to welcome the dads back safely from Iraq and one of the last times we can all get together before many of the children move to Northern Ireland with 2 Rifles later this summer.”
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Aimee Youngs, 10, was the tip of the flame, she said: “We made a human friendship ring to show that all the dads are members of our school.
“Everyone was really excited when the dads were coming back and wanted to do something special for them.”
Jack Birney, 11, added: “When our dads were away it wasn’t very nice, like it was grey, but then they all came home and everyone was happier.
“Since they came back it has been more sunny and colourful and everyone is proud to have their dads home again.”
The children were also invited to Sounding the Retreat, a traditional infantry ceremony which was held on Tuesday night to officially welcome 2 Rifles home.
The Band of the Rifles played an impressive variety of pieces while marching through the parade square in the presence of Commanding Officer Lt Col Justin Maciejewski and Fylde MP Michael Jack.
