PUPILS, staff, governors and parents, both past and present, enjoyed a golden celebration when Burnholme Community College marked its 50th anniversary.
About 250 guests attended an evening of nostalgia at the school in Tang Hall, York, where an exhibition charting the last five decades went on show.
The evening kicked off with reminiscences from five former staff and pupils who talked about their memories of the school.
From the 1950s was Brian Hough, former PE teacher; from the 1960s, Pauline Charnock, an ex-head girl; from the 1970s, former-pupil Libby King; from the 1980s, former deputy-head Joanne Smith; and from the 1990s, ex-pupil Emma Rhodes.
The last speaker was Year Nine pupil Alana Gibb who looked to the future of the school.
The guests then settled down to a sit-down meal with entertainment provided by a barbershop chorus, a magician and a band. During the evening, visitors could have a look round the exhibition, put together by another former pupil, Hannah Howard.
The school opened as Burnholme Secondary Modern School in 1950 and local people remember how the new pupils who had previously had their lessons at Tang Hall School, had to walk up to Burnholme from Tang Hall carrying their chairs. The exhibition contained photographs, letters and log books dating back to Tang Hall School in the 1920s.
It attracted a lot of attention as it was going up in preparation for the event.
Dinner time supervisor Mandy Strange said she had been a pupil herself from 1978 to 1983 and said she had found it very interesting. Science technician June Yeomans, who has worked there for 18 years, said: "It's good to see all these faces - it would be nice to know how they're all getting on now."
The event was organised by a team of governors, headed by chairman Terry Herbert and Lesley Lambert.
Head teacher Liz Watson said she wanted to thank them and said particular thanks went to office staff Philipa Robinson and Jackie Exelby for their work and to Hannah Howard.
The event was also attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, and the Sheriff of York, Barrie Ferguson.
janet.hewison@ycp.co.uk
PICTURE: SCHOOL DAYS: Some of the former members of Burnholme Community College who attended the 50th anniversary celebrations at the school in Tang Hall, York
Picture: David Harrison
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