A SCHOOL in Beaconsfield has called out to thousands of ex-pupils to mark its 60th anniversary – with fantasy writer Sir Terry Pratchett one of those to respond with his memories.

Holtspur School on Cherry Tree Road first opened on May 1, 1951 and pupils are taking a trip back in time to learn about its history.

Former headmaster Bill Tame led the school for 31 of its 60 years and features prominently in many people's recollections.

Best-selling novelist Sir Terry, who attended Holtspur in the 1950s, remembered Mr Tame as “a giant of a man” who was a “pioneer for sex education for older primary school children”.

Sir Terry, who is also a former Bucks Free Press reporter, wrote to the primary school: “Some time later on, as an adult, I met him at an event and was amazed at the miracle that meant he was now about the same size as me.

“In all truth, I cannot say that my memories of Holtspur School were of the warmest, but possibly that was entirely because I was an absolutely quintessential example of a twit and dreamer.

“Fortuitously I survived, and the talent of dreaming I subsequently found, when under control, to be remarkably rewarding. That which does not kill us makes us strong....”

Current headteacher Bronwen Zeun, who took over in 2007, said she was sure Sir Terry would find the school more enjoyable if he were a pupil today. She added: “We’d certainly encourage and support his creativity, and hopefully would give him space, too, to dream his fantastic dreams.”

Former head girl Sally Marks has been connected to Holtspur School almost all her life and currently works as a Year 1 teaching assistant. She was a pupil between 1978 – 82, and her two daughters attend the school.

She said: “My resounding memory is of how proud Mr Tame was of his school. He displayed photos of every year from 1951 up to my year in the school corridor.

“He seemed to have a hand in everything... he wrote the school song...he wrote the school plays, he taught us sex education – he published his own book on the subject.

“Holtspur School was his and when I left he had transferred the pride he had to me.”

Under Mr Tame the school was known as Holtspur County Primary School and Holtspur Middle School. He died in 2002 aged 85.

This week pupils are learning old-fashioned playground games, jive lessons, making bunting and maypole dancing.

Next week will see a circus training team visit the school and parents, staff and governors are throwing a party and hog roast on May 14.

See the link below to send in your memories of the school or for details of the celebrations.