Sound and District Primary School near Nantwich has turned back the clock to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Victorian-themed day and evening of celebrations.
The special anniversary event marked a century and a half since the opening of the former Broomhall Board School in 1876.
And it provided a chance to reflect on the school’s rich history and the generations of children that have passed through its doors.
Boys dressed in flat caps and braces and girls in pinafores and mop caps enjoyed Victorian games and activities and were split up for sewing and technical drawing as it would have been back in the day.
They heard about Victorian times and discipline in class – ‘Be seen and not heard’ – and the demands of rural life with pupils often called out of class to help on family farms.
The school’s “150 committee” made up of staff and governors planned the day which also included an after school art exhibition, poetry and choir singing as well as a themed cafe run by the PTA for the wider community to attend.
Visitors were interested to learn the long history of the school which began as Broomhall Board School which just 58 pupils drawn from the parishes of Baddington, Broomhall, Newhall, Sound and Wrenbury.
Committee member and history lead Kate Styles said: “Following the Education Act of 1870, the Wrenbury School Board was established to provide education for local children.
“The Board commissioned the construction of Broomhall Board School, which opened in 1876 and was described at the time as ‘elegant in design and durable in structure.’
“Under the leadership of its first headteacher Mr Manning, children were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar and geography, while girls also learned sewing.
“School life was very different in Victorian times, with simple classrooms, strict routines and rewards for hard work, such as Mr Manning having an orange placed before the class and awarded to the best pupil of the day!
“Over the decades, the school has witnessed enormous social and historical change. Children learned practical rural skills, including poultry keeping and farming, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the area.
“During the Second World War, children supported the war effort by collecting salvage materials, knitting comforts for service personnel and contributing to savings campaigns.
“Despite wartime challenges, the school remained a place of learning, community and resilience.
“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we honour the generations of children, families, staff and governors who have shaped the school’s story.”
Parents helped bring history to life making costumes. Staff also dressed up for the day.
Other events are in the pipeline to celebrate the milestone anniversary including the burying of a time capsule, Victorian fair and tractor run raising money for the PTA.
Kate added: “The celebration will last several months as we honour our past and inspire future generations to continue the proud legacy of Sound and District Primary School.”
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