Village primary school celebrates 25 years with reunions and pirates

Hook Norton Primary School marked its 25th birthday with an exhibition of memorabilia, photographs and artefacts with past and present staff, pupils and parents on Thursday, September 13.

The current crop dressed up as pirates and took part in a circus skills workshop before a picnic on the field to launch a new addition to the playground.

Head teacher Stella Belgrove said: “It was lovely to see so many old pupils, parents and staff and catch up on the last 25 years.”

In the evening, former head teacher Andrew Bowen and Mrs Belgrove cut a cake baked by business manager Hazel Hope with help from the pupils, while Evan and Morgan Wollerton made an incredibly-detailed model of the school. A video from the class of 1998 brought back many memories for visitors.

A bottle of champagne was awarded to Hook Norton resident Maxine Melody as she has had children at the school since 1993.

In an assembly to mark the anniversary, Mr Bowen spoke about how he and chair of governors Janet Collins fought for the new home on Sibford Road in 1993.

Rachael Williams, from nursery, also told the children about what it was like to come to the new school as she was a pupil when it opened.

The children could not believe that you had to go outside to the toilet at the old school, Mrs Belgrove said.

At the Pirate Day, everyone looked the part in their costumes as they were shown how to juggle, balance feathers and spin plates.

A new pirate ship on the adventure playground inspired the celebrations.