Frith Manor invites ex-pupils to 70-year reunion

Frith Manor Primary School, in Lullington Garth, is holding a reunion for past pupils, teachers and staff to relive memories of the past seven decades.

Reginald Herring, headmaster of the school, said: "Throughout its 70 years, Frith Manor has been a vibrant and exciting place to learn.

"Myself and the school community look forward to welcoming past pupils and staff to our celebration of 70 years at this great school."

Frith Manor opened in January 1939 with 116 pupils, and a staff of five teachers and a caretaker.

On their return from their first summer holidays, the students found their school had been taken over by the military authorities and pupils were moved to nearby Dollis Junior School, in Pursley Road.

When the pupils returned to the school in November, they discovered trenches, an air raid shelter and an anti-aircraft gun positioned on the site.

By 1963, the school had 11 classes and more than 300 pupils, and over the next 30 years it doubled in size again.

A devastating fire in 2002 destroyed much of the school, but over the course of four years it was completely rebuilt, with a new nursery.

Sue Goodwin, 50, who is helping to organise the reunion, attended the school between 1965 and 1972. She said: “In those days the school was like a village school, with the staffroom a hut on the field.

"I remember vividly our old classrooms, sadly gone now due to the fire.

"I have already been in contact with my favourite teacher from my happy Frith days and I am sure many other ex pupils and staff are looking forward to the anniversary to reminisce about the ‘old days’ of Frith Manor Junior Mixed and Infants, as it was then called."

The reunion will take place on November 20 and 21, and will include a dinner and traditional school disco.

Anyone interested in attending should email the school on office@frithmanor.barnetmail.net or Sue Goodwin on sue_j_goodwin@hotmail.com for further information.