All Saints Infants youngsters also say farewell to long-serving headteacher

MORE than 300 children, parents, teachers and different generations of pupils, bade a fond farewell to Sidmouth’s All Saints Infants School as we know it on Wednesday.

They also said goodbye to headteacher of more than 13 years Viv Craig - who retires today.

The institution, which originally opened in 1847, will become part of the new Sidmouth Church of England Primary School in September.

Parents, Teachers and Friends’ Association (PTFA) leaders organised a fun day and invited anyone who’d ever been involved with All Saints over the years.

Students from every class contributed to a time capsule that was buried in the school grounds and marked with a commemorative slab.

Mrs Craig received a photo album packed with memories from her time at the school and a special tablecloth marked with the handprint of every child and teacher.

She told the Herald: “The afternoon has been everything I could have wished it to be - perfect.

“The fact I’m retiring hasn’t sunk in for me yet. It will leave a big gap - I’ve been incredibly happy here and it’s been a fantastic time in my life.”

She thanked fun day organisers.

Mum-of-two Lynda Cole, vice chairman of the PTFA, helped stage the event.

She said: “It was a roaring all round success.

“We had a big turnout of former students, young and old, and ex-teachers. There were a lot of nice words spoken about the school.

“It was a touching and fitting way to say goodbye to All Saints as we know it.”

Ex-pupil Hazel Clapp, 69, of Fleming Avenue, Sidford, brought along a photo of her class from 1947.

Hazel’s children went to All Saints as does her grandson David, five, today.

“It has always been a lovely, friendly school. It’s sad to see it go,” said Hazel.

“The fun event was a really nice afternoon.

“All sorts of generations were there. I saw a woman who taught my children and she is in her 90s now.

“Everyone thought my photo was really interesting but one chap had one from 1937.”

Hit fun day attractions included skittles, a visit from Elfic the Jester, face painting, recyclable craft modelling and a barbecue.