Welwyn Garden City school marks golden jubilee

CIRCUS tricks, a 60s themed school band and a time capsule buried under a playing field.

These were just three of the ways in which Harwood Hill School commemorated its 50th anniversary last week.

Pupils, parents and staff were treated to an activity-packed day that also included student presentations on the different decades the school has witnessed and the releasing of 50 golden balloons.

Former deputy head Tom Barker returned to the WGC nursery and primary school he had helped open in 1959 to mark the occasion.

Mr Barker, 86, who taught at Harwood Hill for 23 years, said: “It’s been lovely coming back and seeing some of the old pupils who now have children at the school.

“I have often been stopped in the street by my former students but the difference now is some of them are starting to get grey hair like me!”

A time capsule containing a copy of the WHT, pupils’ comments about the school and their blue uniform was then submerged into the ground at the foot of a silver birch tree.

Current headteacher Sue Cousins said: “The day has been organised and funded by the PTA to ensure it has a real community feel to it.

“It’s great that everyone can come together to celebrate the anniversary.”