Ex-pupils relive school days

From the archive, first published Friday 7th Oct 2005.

CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A 96-YEAR-OLD woman who started school at the beginning of the First World War was among former primary pupils who took a trip down memory lane on Friday.

About 200 ex-pupils returned to Box Primary School for a reunion organised by groundsman Bob Hancock, of Chapel Lane, and his family.

He said: "It was absolutely wonderful. It had me in tears. It had us all in tears. There's never been anything like it since the school opened and it went like clockwork."

His wife Lauri said it was a tremendous success with ex-pupils coming from as far away as Spain, but unfortunately they had to turn people away because it was so popular.

"The response was amazing. It was just unfortunate that in the last week we had to turn people away," she said.

Edie Turner, 96, of Doctors Hill, Box, who started primary school at the beginning of the First World War, was the oldest former student to make it to the reunion.

Visitors gathered in the Selwyn Hall and were taken in groups for a tour of the school, before returning for a buffet prepared by Mrs Hancock.

"Everyone had stories to tell. Normally over-60s have reputations for being grumpy but they were so happy and laughing and smiling," said Mrs Hancock.

"We have had that many flowers, cards and letters from the people who came to the reunion and they all said if we organise another one we have to let them know."

There was a display of memorabilia and many ex-students who could not make it on the day sent in donations towards the new school.

An auction of harvest produce at The Bear, Box, the previous Sunday raised £436 and a raffle at the reunion £206. A total £1,110 has been raised for Box School's £50,000 extension.

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