A Year Group singing a song to represent one of the nine decades celebrated
On Friday May 15th. Lady Bankes Primary School celebrated their amazing anniversary. The school originally opened in 1934 at Victoria Hall, which was since demolished and replaced by Ruislip Manor Library. The school then moved to the present building in 1936 and became Lady Bankes Primary School, named after a local woman Mary Hawtrey who married Sir John Bankes in 1618. He later became Attorney-General to King Charles I. Lady Bankes died in 1661 and is buried at St Martin’s Church.
Mrs Doreen Davis
The whole school was assembled on the school field to share this occasion with the many guests who attended. These included the new Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Reeta Chamdal, parents of current pupils, school governors and, of particular interest, some adults who were at the school in the early forties who were able to share their school memories during the Second World War. I was lucky enough to meet and chat to Mrs Doreen Davis (nee Citron) who joined the school in 1940. The school had also produced a special booklet “Celebrating 90 Years of Lady Bankes Primary School” which was available and included the history of the school past and present.
The celebrations began with the whole school and visitors singing “Sweet Caroline” which set the joyful mood of the occasion. Visitors were informed that each year group would be singing a song which represented each of the nine decades of the school. Each group was introduced by Stuart Bottomley, a well-known local DJ. The management of pupils to the performance area was seamless and the school staff deserve a special mention for their professionalism and the pupils for their excellent behaviour which was noted by many in the audience.
Leo as Elvis in Year 4’s reminder of the 1950s
The opening performance by the choir represented the 1940s when they sang “The White Cliffs of Dover”. This was followed by Year 4’s performance recalling the 1950s by singing “If I Could Dream” an Elvis Presley song. A pupil,Leo, added to the entertainment dressed in character and brilliantly copying Elvis’s moves! Next the 1960s were represented by Year 6 who performed “Dancing In The Streets”, a popular song at the time by Martha and The Vandellas. The Reception group then gave us a rendition of “ABC” by The Jackson Five to recall the 1970s. The Nursery pupils, for their young age, then gave a very confident, lively version of the 80s song, “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” by Wham. To recall the 90s Year 3 performed ” Spice Up Your Life ” by the Spice Girls. The final three decades were highlighted by Years 2,1 and 6.
By this time all the visitors had been joining in with singing and clapping to some of the songs which gave the afternoon celebration a real sense of the joyful mood and pride of commemorating the long and successful period of one of our local Primary schools. The Mayor, Cllr Reeta Chamdal, then gave a speech congratulat-ing the school on their fantastic achievements throughout its ninety years, some in which staff had to overcome the difficult dangers of English history. Father Tommy Merry, vicar of St Paul’s Church, Ruislip Manor, gave thanks for the school and prayed for continual blessing on all who are currently part of what he referred to as ” a home of great learning.”
To end the celebrations on a very positive note, everyone present joined in singing the School Song, “Lady Bankes, The Place For Me.” Headteacher, Mrs Kate Needs, her dedicated teachers and all who were involved in organising this wonderful celebration are to be warmly congratulated and thanked for giving the community such an extremely successful Primary school.
Comments are closed.