YOUNGSTERS have been taking a trip back in time and learning about their school’s history.
They were given copies of a new book marking the 125th anniversary of North Primary School, in John Harper Street, Colchester.
The special ‘CXXV’ publication was launched to coincide with children returning to school and as a belated celebration of World Book Day.
The project began in 2019 and was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Various individuals and organisations have contributed, including Lexden History Group, Colchester Recalled, Essex Record Office and High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell. The book features photographs and memories donated to the school’s archive, artwork and a series of articles that provide an insight into the story of North Primary School.
Author and project manager Laura Davison said: “The response and support from within school and the wider community has been incredible.
“The CXXV book is a lasting legacy of North Primary School’s 125th anniversary project and is dedicated to the many people who took part on the journey with us.”
Listening intently - historian Claire Driver (left) with Michael Wood at the CXXV Open Day, donating family photographs to the school archive Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON
Author and historian Claire Driver added: “CXXV has been a very special project.
“We’ve reached people whose connection with the school stretches back over 100 years, enabling us to tell the story from the very beginning.
“Researching, sharing and celebrating this history with today’s pupils and more widely with the people of Colchester has been a real pleasure.”
To celebrate the launch, children dressed up as their favourite book characters and each family was given a CXXV book.
“There’s something precious about this school,” said headteacher Alan Garnett.
Leading from the front - headteacher Alan Garnett
“It’s a quote you’ll find in the book and every page gives testament to those words.
“It’s full of the memories of staff and pupils who either gave a part of their careers and lives to the school or whose experience of it shaped them.
“When I became head in 2001, I had no inkling of the importance the heritage of the school would become to me in my role.
“Preserving the architecture and celebrating its history - so brilliantly captured in this book - has been a source of immense pride.
“This community school has been enriched by the passion and talents of so many local people, many giving freely of their time to make a difference to the children and families who we serve. This book captures that dedication.”
Story to tell - project manager Laura Davison (right) with former pupil Christine Samson. Christine attended North in the 1940s and enjoyed meeting up with friends at the 125th birthday party
Anne Jenkins, National Lottery Heritage Fund director for the Midlands and East, added: “We are delighted to support North Primary School.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will strengthen the community by helping local people better understand their heritage and history and help others discover their own.”
* CXXV: North School’s 125th Anniversary has been published by eyeglass books and is available for a special launch price of £12.
Books are available to order online through Red Lion Books. Head to www.northschoolcxxv.com.
Important role - at a school birthday party in November 2019, Poppy Lynn was the youngest pupil in the school. She helped cut the cake with the oldest pupil. Their photo is in the book
Time travellers - Allison and Luke Stewart
Front cover - the CXXV: North School’s 125th Anniversary book
Getting in character - headteacher Alan Garnett, dressed up as John Harper, the school's first headteacher. The school is in John Harper Street
Family connection - Theo and Auden Dagge's gran, Jenny Keeble, taught in the school Nursery on and off for 40 years. They are looking at her photo in the book
Family connection - Theo and Auden Dagge's gran, Jenny Keeble, taught in the school Nursery on and off for 40 years. They were proud and happy to receive copies of the book
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