Life of a Chickpea Project at Wallsend St. Peter’s C of E Primary School

Brenda Dinsdale

Hon. Life President, Newcastle Reform Synagogue

Brenda Dinsdale is Hon. Life President of Newcastle Reform Synagogue and an active member of several local interfaith forums and groups. She is dedicated to promoting interfaith dialogue across the region, regularly attending events, visiting schools, and supporting initiatives that foster understanding, collaboration, and community cohesion among diverse faith communities.

Imam Abbas Hussain

The Heaton Mosque & Islamic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Jo Curry

High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear

Jo Curry MBE, DL is the High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear (2025/26) and Chief Executive of the Sir James Knott Trust, which awards over £3 million annually to charities across the region. She also helped establish the Virgin Money Foundation, which has donated more than £13 million to good causes since 2015. Jo has held senior voluntary sector leadership roles, including Deputy Chair and Vice Chair of the Community Foundation, and previously led VONNE, supporting charities and social enterprises across the North East.

Talia Turnbull

Baháʼí Community

Wallsend St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School recently hosted the Life of a Chickpea Project, welcoming 80 students to take part in an engaging and educational session focused on faith, culture, and diversity.

We were honoured to be joined by the following guest speakers, who represented a range of faith communities:

Talia Turnbull – Representative, Bahá’í Community
Jo Curry – High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear
Imam Abbas Hussein – Heaton Mosque and Islamic Centre
Brenda Dinsdale – Honorary Life President, Newcastle Reform Synagogue

Students demonstrated great curiosity throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and actively engaging in dialogue with our faith representatives. The discussions provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to learn about different cultures, beliefs, and traditions in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Wallsend St. Peter’s C of E Primary School continues to deliver an outstanding curriculum that encourages active engagement with the wider community. Dialogue Society is proud to continue its role as a bridge-builder, fostering understanding, respect, and meaningful connections across communities.

To conclude the session, participants shared Noah’s Pudding, recognised as one of the world’s oldest desserts, symbolising shared heritage and unity.