Brackenbury Primary celebrates 125 years

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Brackenbury Primary School is 125 years old – and pupils, staff, governors, parents and supporters of the school were celebrating in style last Wednesday.

The day began very much as it did in the previous century – with the ringing of the original school bell in the bell tower at 9am to warn children on their way to school to hurry up.

Pupils and staff dressed in Victorian costumes and there were Victorian-style classes throughout the day as well as 19th century lunch menus throughout the week.

At 11am today a time capsule was buried beneath a commemorative mosaic in the school garden. This was followed by a balloon launch. The time capsule contains examples of children’s work, photographs of the school through the years as well as everyday classroom equipment, including pencils, pens and counting blocks.

Pupils shared work they had prepared for the anniversary celebrations in morning assembly and there was a tea party for older ex-pupils, who were interviewed by current year six children. Former staff and pupils will also join an evening reunion at the school tonight.

Headteacher Andrew McMahon said: “It is amazing to think that Brackenbury Primary School has been here for 125 years and is still going strong. As part of our celebrations we have been in contact with lots of ex-pupils and staff, many of whom have shared their memories and photographs with us.

It is clear from talking to all of these friends of Brackenbury that they have many fond memories of the school and the teachers that taught them. There was Mr Morris who kindly used to put the children’s milk in front of the school fire in winter to warm it up for them and many others remember being given cod liver oil and malt in the mornings. I have also been visited by another Mr McMahon who taught here many years ago then went on to become deputy head at Wendell Park before taking on the headship of Wormholt Park.”

Mr McMahon said the council’s archives and local history centre, in Hammersmith, had also been very helpful in supporting the school’s research – showing pupils and staff old photographs and maps of the area. “This celebration has been a really exciting history lesson for all of us,” said Mr McMahon.

Cllr David Williams, deputy for education, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Brackenbury Primary School. The school’s success and the strong parental support it enjoys means Brackenbury will continue to give local children an excellent start for many years to come.”
Cllr Williams and education director Sandy Adamson were among the guests joining today’s celebrations.

 

December 5, 2004