Pupils unveil garden for teacher

A colourful garden to keep the memory of a much-loved Wolverhampton teacher alive has been unveiled by staff and pupils at a primary school where he used to teac

Past and present pupils and staff at Bhylls Acre Primary School in Castlecroft gathered alongside Christopher Harbach’s relatives for an emotional ceremony to mark the opening of the garden dedicated to him.

Some were reduced to tears as tributes were paid to the popular Year 3 teacher, who worked at the school for 12 years before his tragic death in July 2006 from a short illness.

He was aged just 47. Youngsters and staff have thrown their efforts into transforming space at their back of the school into the commemorative garden, which will be planted with carrots, courgettes and runner beans in the coming weeks and will be cared for by youngsters.

Bursar Joy Edwards, who worked with Mr Harbach for many years, said: “He was a wonderful teacher and colleague who would liven up the lessons for children.”