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Former teacher Rosalind Caygill and husband Derek look around the old classroom she used to teach in.

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Pensioners in their eighties took a trip down memory lane last weekend when they joined in the centenary celebrations at a village primary school.

Askwith County Primary school invited pupils past and present to share in a weekend of celebrations to mark 100 years of education at the current site.

Stories of war-time evacuees visiting the school from London during WW2 and pupils being caned were shared among pupils as former log books dating right back through the ages were put on display.

On Friday, youngsters at the school staged a musical entitled The Centenary Production' which showed how the school and society at large had changed through the ages.

A balloon race, Maypole dancing and a special church service also featured in the events, which were marked with a Bettys Centenary Cake, which was shared among the guests.

Head teacher Don Parker said: "The celebration was a great success and we must have had about 300 people over the course of the weekend.

"The children did a performance which showed them travelling through time portraying what happened both at school and in the world itself.

"It was a real education for the children and I think they learned a lot.

"The mix of old and young worked very well and many tales were shared about evacuees from London being educated here.

"Children were horrified to learn about pupils being caned but they were also shocked at how many things had stood the test of time - such as the nativity plays.

"It just goes to show that certain traditions which took place in school all those years ago still take place today." Mr Parker added: "On the Saturday we had a display of the school log books which visitors found very interesting.

"We are lucky that the community is very supportive of the school and I think this was reflected in the number of locals who turned out to the events."

A church service was held at the Weston Church on Sunday, during which pupils took the opportunity to interview former students - the oldest of whom was a woman aged 86.

Parents and children at the school are now preparing a mural to commemorate the event.

There will also be a centenary ball held on Thursday, May 17, at Otley Golf Club. Tickets are still available for the event which starts at 7.30pm.

Telephone Mrs Barker on 01943 463835 for details.

Click here for our photo gallery on Askwith School

3:02pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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