School celebrates 40th birthday

10:53am Sunday 22nd June 2008

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A SCHOOL celebrated its 40th birthday yesterday with a party that saw pupils old and new back inside the gates.

Juniper Hill School, in Churchill Close, Flackwell Heath, offered an open invitation to anyone who ever attended the school to visit the event.

The various stalls and events throughout the afternoon were organised by The Friends of Juniper Hill.

Chairman Carolyn Davenport said: "It's been a fun birthday party for the whole family, with lots of entertainment.

"It's been a chance for the kids to show the school off to their whole family, and for people to enjoy themselves while they support the school."

She said 450 tickets for the event had been sold in advance, with more visitors turning up on the day.

The wet weather of the morning gave way to a brighter afternoon when the celebrations began at 1.30pm, with only the occasional shower putting a dampener on the party.

The school hall held a display of Juniper Hill's 40-year history. Included were photos of school trips across the country, to places like the Isle of Wight, Hadrian's Wall, Swanage, and Cornwall.

Also on the wall were newspaper cuttings, featuring visits from famous faces such as Matthew Kelly, and articles on the school's old collection of animals, which once famously included an alligator, as well as lambs, calves and rabbits.

Former pupils had written about their memories of being at the school, and there were photos from 1968 right up to the present day.

There were outside musical performances throughout the afternoon from The Heath Singers, Wye Valley School and band The Doctors, among many others.

And some of the children themselves got the chance to dance and perform.

They could also visit a snake and reptile tent, bounce around on trampolines, or enjoy a slice of the specially donated birthday cake.