‘Oldest pupil’ returns to help mark school’s anniversary

APRIMARY school that first opened half a century ago has celebrated its birthday.

Ivy Bank school pupils were joined on their school’s special day by a special guest, Valerie Whitaker, who entered the reception class on the day the school opened.

Valerie is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Whitaker, who ran Ivy Cottage Farm, on whose fields the school was built.

Mrs Whitaker and Valerie’s sister Sheila were also at the event.

Assistant headteacher Sarah Gill said: “We were lucky to have the Whitaker family join us for the day. We introduced our youngest pupil, Ava, to Valerie at the Golden Garden, which the children of Ivy Bank have planted to celebrate our 50 years. The Whitaker family shared fantastic photographs and were interviewed by Ivy Bank pupils about life on the farm and how the land has changed.

“One pupil couldn’t believe Sheila had a pet cow that she could ride. “Sheila also shared how their family donkey, Jenny, became like an Ivy Bank pet the children used to fuss over as she hung her head over the gate greeting them.”

Pupils also enjoyed a concert from live music experience Key Strings, who played 1960s music with them, some of the pupils dressing up 1960s style.

The children also made commemorative tiles and donned special hoodies and t-shirts to mark the milestone ahead of the Golden Summer Fair in July.

The school’s birthday conincided with Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, which was also celebrated at the event. .

Joining the school was the Mayor of Cheshire East, Coun Hilda Gaddum, who joined the concerts and congratulated the children and staff on the school’s success. She then enjoyed a tour of the school with the governors, taking in the Golden Garden.

Ivy Bank pupils were then each presented with a bar of chocolate, six of which contained golden tickets. The lucky pupils will present the tickets at the school fair to have the chance to become Golden Kings and Queens of the event.

Mrs Gill added: “What a fabulous day and achievement for the Ivy Bank community. I love Ivy Bank and am proud of the children and staff”

The PTA ‘Friends of Ivy Bank’ is collecting stories and photos from past pupils – contact friendsofivybank@gmail.com.

●● Celebrating Ivy Bank School’s 50th birthday are, from left: Sheila Whitaker, her mum Mrs Whitaker, Mayor of Cheshire East, Coun Hilda Gaddum, Valerie Whitaker, and the school’s youngest pupil, Ava

●● Staff members Mrs Debbie Brinkhurst, Mrs Mel Sharratt, Mrs Kim Nesbit and Mrs Mandy Corrigan cut the birthday cake

●● With their golden ticket are winners (above) Milly, Toby and Millie and (left) Alfie and Ella

●● With their chocolate bars are Isabelle, Ewan, Ronan and Blaire

●● Emma, and Amberlei, with Keith Mosedale, of Key Strings