The kindly head teacher, who had one of those voices that was never really raised, replied in a calm, considered tone. ‘I think it sounds marvellous. During last year’s Breakfast with Santa, Mr Tomlin told me lots of the children had asked for such small things like a new winter coat, or new boots so Mummy didn’t have to worry about money. It honestly—’ She paused, pressing a hand to her chest, and Bella was surprised to see her eyes shining. Mrs White was all business and had such a formidable can-do attitude, she hadn’t imagined these things had touched her so deeply. ‘It broke my heart.’

Bella nodded sadly. ‘When you look at Meadowbank, all you see are the pretty, thatched-roof cottages, the duck pond … It all seems so well-off. It’s hard to imagine any hardship in such an idyllic place.’

‘People don’t always notice what’s around them. We’re all busy with our own lives and we sometimes forget to really look out for others. But I love this idea. We just need to be careful we aren’t making people feel embarrassed that they need help. Often, those who need it don’t like to ask.’

‘I thought we could all talk to the parents in our classes because they’re familiar with us and hopefully won’t be upset by us asking if they want to participate.’

‘I think it’s a fabulous idea,’ said Nina, who also volunteered at Bluebell Park. ‘And Bluebell Park is the perfect place. What better time to do it than now, at Christmas? I had Mr West bringing Vita in without any baking ingredients because he couldn’t afford anything else on the weekly shop. Luckily, I’d brought in extra so I could give her some. He was so embarrassed, and I felt so bad about it. He and his wife work so hard, but sometimes there’s only so much money to go around, isn’t there?’

‘I agree,’ said Johnny. ‘Eddie’s mum came to talk to me about uniform for secondary school because she doesn’t know how she’s going to afford it. They need so much more stuff when they move on, and it all has to have the school logo on. All I could suggest was starting to buy bits here and there as and when she can, but she made the point that he grows so quickly. I also suggested she speak to the school’s PTFA. I know most take donations and pass them on. It wasn’t an easy conversation. She was really upset. I think it’s—’

‘I don’t like it,’ interrupted Mr Osbourne harshly and Bella nervously toyed with the cuffs of her cardigan. ‘People won’t thank you for it, Bella, and I’d hate to have someone sticking their nose into my business uninvited.’