Sidmouth St Nick's blast from the past

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
19 November 2009

FORMER pupils of St Nicholas Junior School had a blast from the past when they returned last week for a community day.

As part of the school's celebrations to mark its centenary year, the event, which took place last Thursday, welcomed back around 20 people who have connections to the school.

Members of St Nick's School Council were on hand to act as tour guides for the visitors and a display of memorabilia and photographs were on show in the hall.

Nick Kitchin, teacher in charge of the centenary celebrations, said: "It was lovely to chat with people who all have different memories.

"During the tour of the school, people found it fascinating how much the school- the resources and the building- had changed since their time here."

Among the visitors were former head teacher Ian Pirrie, his wife, Lorna, who taught at the school, and a group of past pupils, who attended during the Second World War.

Former student Ivan Santer brought along letters written to him by other pupils in 1942, while he was in hospital recovering from an illness.

Mr Kitchin added: "One of the letters was written by Ray Salter, who also came to the community day. It was lovely to hear people talking of their experiences before I came here in the 80s."

The letters, along with other memorabilia brought in by visitors, will be scanned into computers for teachers and pupils to access during lessons.

Other events are lined up for the centenary celebrations and another community day may be organised, said Mr Kitchin.