TEACHERS, pupils and former pupils gathered at a dale school this week to celebrate its 50th birthday.
Woodland School was opened in 1968 and last week took time to mark the occasion with birthday celebrations at their annual sports day.
Staff, pupils and former pupils were invited along for the birthday party with plenty of cakes on offer. One of the cakes, decorated beautifully with a Squirrel and Owl, signifying the two classes in the school, was baked by one of the parents.
Former pupil Jacqui Richardson, 56, who was one of the first students at the school was invited back to cut the cake alongside the youngest student, four-year-old Douglas Hart.
Mrs Richardson, who was born in Woodland and has spent most of her life in the village, said she had fond memories of her time at the school.
“Fred Thompson was the headteacher back then. It always was and still is such a welcoming school,” said Mrs Richardson.
“I do remember the old school and so I still call this place the new school. When the school first opened the primary teacher was Mrs Bainbridge,” she added.
“She used to play the piano beautifully, but I was terrified and every time she played I would hide under the piano.”
