Chaddesden school celebrates its 70th birthday

A SCHOOL which opened during the Second World War and often saw its first pupils evacuated to air-raid shelters during lessons is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

Chaddesden's Cherry Tree Hill Junior School will mark the milestone next month with an open day at which log books from those early days will be on display, giving an insight into the daily routines of staff and pupils in wartime.

OLD AND NEW: Pictures recalling events down the years at Cherry Tree Hill Junior School are examined by, from left, David Barber, 10, Brandon Blackham, nine, and Sophie Armstrong, 10. Right, car tyres provided obstacles at a sports day in the 60s.
TESTING TIMES: A scene from a sports day in the 1960s and, above, how the school looked in the 40s.

Children would arrive at school late if they had spent the night sheltering under stairs or in home-made shelters during overnight raids.

Allowances were made for those who lost their fathers to injury or death in the war, or whose mothers were required to work in factories to help the war effort.

Despite all this, lessons were conducted, inspectors visited and Christmas and May celebrations took place.

The present acting head, Malcolm Hetherington, said that everyone was keen to celebrate the school's "significant milestone".

The open day, on Thursday, March 11, will be the last in the school's history because from September, its name will cease to exist, with Cherry Tree Hill infant and junior schools merging as one primary school.

Mr Hetherington said: "It's a double celebration.

"I am sure many former pupils and staff would love to come along and see the work we have been doing for the events and to meet each other."

Pupils are being encouraged to attend in costumes from the 1940s to the 80s.

There will be a party in the hall and the public is invited until 6pm.

Anyone who would like to share memories or photographs of their days at the school is asked to get in touch by calling Derby 673516 from Monday.

Chaddesden Historical Group is helping the school put together memorabilia and will have a stand at the celebration event.

Group member Andrew Bailey said that a display of posters and newspapers from 70 years ago would form part of the display.He said: "We are hoping to wear clothes from the 1940s and will be on hand to chat about things to do with the school and the area.

"A couple of the group's members are former pupils and I am sure they will be a focus for any other returning students.

"We are looking forward to taking part and meeting many local people."