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School prepares to celebrate centenary
AFTER a century of teaching the city's children how to read and write, a Peterborough school is throwing its doors open to the public.
AFTER a century of teaching the city's children how to read and write, a Peterborough school is throwing its doors open to the public.West Town Primary School, in Williamson Avenue, Peterborough, was opened on August 30, 1909, and since that date hundreds of youngsters have passed through the gates to start their educational life.
The school has also launched the career of two of Peterborough's most famous sons, with journalist Richard Littlejohn and film producer Andy Harries both attending as youngsters.
Mr Littlejohn has become well known as an outspoken columnist for national newspaper The Sun, while Mr Harries has gone on to work on films that have lit up the silver screen, including royal biopic The Queen and the controversial film about football legend Brian Clough, The Damned United.
The school has more than trebled in size since first opening its doors a century ago, and now has nearly 300 children on the register, compared with just 86 in 1909, and it is hoped that many of the previous pupils at the school will come along to an open day next week.
Judi Gow from the school said the event would be a spectacular celebration of the first century.
She said: "We will be holding a number of events over the week, and a big celebration of the school on Friday, July 10.
"We will be opening the school up to old pupils and teachers, and we really want it to be a great day.
"There has been a great response from former pupils and staff, many of whom will be travelling long distances to join us in our celebrations.
"At the open day we will have a display of old school photos, dating back over the 100 years, and a number of books going back to the war years.
"We also have the old school rocking horse, which we think dates back almost 100 years. It is in desperate need of restoration, so we hope that a few old pupils will donate some money to have it restored."
However, despite the grand celebrations, it is not yet known if the two celebrity alumni will be able to make it to the party.
Mrs Gow said: "We have not heard from Mr Harries or Mr Littlejohn yet, but we are trying to get in touch with them at the moment.
"We would really like them to attend, as we would with any other former teachers and pupils who can make it on Friday."
n Any former pupils and teachers who would like to attend should call the school on 01733 707031.
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