Celebrating 150 years (From Witney Gazette)

Celebrating 150 years

8:24am Wednesday 26th July 2006 in Witney By Samantha Simpson

PUPILS past and present joined together for a concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Mary's Infant School, in Witney.

A mosaic, made by pupils, with help from artist-in-residence Lindsey Thompson, was unveiled at the concert, held on Thursday to celebrate the school's 150th year in existence at its Church Green building.

Headteacher Valerie Taylor said the school always held end-of-year concerts to say farewell to pupils, but this year's event was special as ex-pupils were also invited.

Children performed songs and acted out scenes portraying the school's history.

Governor Brian Conroy said: "The concert was followed by a special celebratory party for the pupils. Visitors were also able to take a guided tour of the school for a trip down memory lane."

St Mary's school was originally founded in Bridge Street, Witney, in 1813, and had about 200 pupils. It was in 1856, after then Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Samuel Wilberforce, decided there was a need for larger premises that the present school was built in Church Green.

Witney mayor Chrissie Curry said: "What a joy it was. There were old record books going back as far as the turn of the 20th century and old school photos. The mosaic was delightful."

Mr Conroy said it was thought the school was designed by famous Witney architect, William Wilkinson, who designed the almshouses next to St Mary's Church, and Bampton and Chipping Norton Town Halls and ended his days living at the Randolph Hotel, Oxford, which he also designed.

Staff and children at Aston and Cote Primary School were also celebrating their school's 150th anniversary.

A week of activities with a Victorian theme were held, including children and teachers dressing up in traditional costume and going to Victorian-style lessons.