Celebrating 50 years of Hayesdown First School

HAYESDOWN First School in Frome is celebrating its 50th birthday with week-long celebrations this week, culminating in a 1970s dressing-up day and picnic on Friday 24th May. 

Other events throughout the week include a bake-off competition, an ‘Amazing Hayesdown’ exhibition open to all the community, and the giving of special commemorative mugs.

Julia Battersby, headteacher, said, “Hayesdown School was opened in 1973 and, since then, has educated more than 2,500 students. We couldn’t let this special anniversary pass by without marking this in true Hayesdown style with a week of celebrations.”

Former pupils and staff, including headteachers, were due to attend the opening event on Tuesday 21st May as Frome Times went to press to launch the birthday celebrations. They will be entertained by students aged four to nine years who will be performing songs and dances from the previous six decades. 

Former pupil, parent and now Hayesdown school administrator, Lisa Morris says, “It will be a wonderful opportunity to go down memory lane and remember all of the fun things that happened during my school days at Hayesdown.  

“Not only did I come to school here, and now enjoy working in the office, but my children all attended Hayesdown; the whole family has so many fond memories of this special school. We will have a display of former pupils and what they are doing now so we can celebrate everyone’s success following a great start at Hayesdown First School.”

On Friday 24th May, children and staff will be dressing up in 1970s costume, also remembering the year that Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest. This will culminate in a whole school picnic on the playing field from 12.30pm to 2pm where parents and carers are invited to join them, wearing ‘70s outfits too!