Stepping back in time at Surrey school

There was huge excitement at a Surrey school when a time capsule buried a quarter of a century ago was unearthed as part of anniversary celebrations.

Former headteachers at The Vale Primary School were among guests for a very special birthday party which also included a look back at life when the school first opened its doors.

The time capsule was buried 25 years ago at the front of the school site when the building was completed in 1999. Its contents gave pupils an insight into life before widespread use of the internet and when mobile phones were much more basic.

Among the contents was an original school jumper, a tie and a book bag. There were also laminated drawings and plans from the school as well as a map of Langley Vale which, said headteacher Cathy Browne, was the thing that changed the most.

The school’s PTA hosted the  birthday tea party and among the guests was the first headteacher of The Vale Primary School when it moved to its current site, Mrs Mary Chapman who said she had ‘many fond memories’ of her time at the school, a member of GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust.

The school’s Year 6 and the Junior Choir performed for the guests and led a rendition of Happy Birthday by way of celebration.

Reception teacher from 1999, Hilary Ashby  said the whole event had been a ‘wonderful occasion’.

All five headteachers from the school’s 25 years were also able to take part in the celebrations. Mrs Claire Regnard, Mrs Carrie Christer and co-headteachers Mrs Sarah Leyland and Mrs Cathy Browne were among the guests.

“The anniversary has been a true opportunity for us as a whole school community to come together and celebrate the years of learning, nurturing and ‘inspiring all’ our school,” said Mrs Browne.