A YORK primary school is exploring its past at a special afternoon tea event for former pupils to celebrate it’s 140th anniversary.

Both new and old pupils of Heworth CE School are taking a trip down memory lane to raise money for the school and learn about its history at the same time, in a project they are calling Stories Of Our School.

Kate Durham, the school’s subject leader for history, said: “It’s a whole school project aiming to produce a scrapbook at the end.”

Some former pupils have already sent in their memories, and have recalled celebrating the school’s centenary by dressing up in Victorian clothes and told tales including when outside toilets would freeze over in the winter.

Simon Biddlestone, head teacher, said: “We are at the heart of the community and have been for 140 years. It’s a great opportunity for our children to do some history and learn from people who used to go here.”

Previous pupils will be invited to share their memories over tea and cake, as well as seeing how the school has changed since their time there.

Their memories will then be collated in a scrapbook which will be sold to raise funds for Heworth Primary. Copies will be available from the school.

The event will run in the school hall on Monday, from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Former pupils can also contribute their memories via the school’s website:
www.heworth.york.sch.uk/pages/history.asp