A primary school near Boroughbridge has been celebrating its 150th anniversary this week.
Roecliffe CE Primary School has held a number of themed events to mark a century and a half of “nurturing young minds” and “delivering high-quality education rooted in Christian values.”
Throughout the week, staff, pupils, and families have stepped back in time to enjoy a vibrant programme of Victorian-themed activities.
On Monday (30th June), the school community gathered for a heartfelt thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church in Roecliffe.
Led by Reverend Sue Simpson, the event was able to offer blessings for the school’s future and to extend a warm welcome to the new vicar.
Tuesday (1st July) saw the school transformed as the Ripon Workhouse Museum hosted an immersive day of hands-on Victorian experiences.
Pupils took part in activities such as rag rugging, polishing, laundry work, traditional farming tasks and lessons in a recreated Victorian classroom — all rounded off with classic games and toys from the era.
Roecliffe pupil Isla said:
“We lived and worked how Victorian children would. We did laundry, school lessons and even workhouse selection!”
Louis added:
“I enjoyed the Victorian day because I learned lots of new things and what life was like as a Victorian.
“It was a brilliant experience and I wish for more.”
The week concluded with a 150th Anniversary Garden Party on Friday 4th July, held on the picturesque Roecliffe village green.
The school were joined by a host of special guests, including Sir Andrew Lawson-Tancred, whose ancestors established the school; Richard Noake, CEO of LDLT; and former headteacher Margaret Bushell, who led the school during its centenary celebrations in 2000.
Headteacher Lesley Briggs said:
“We pride ourselves on making our learning experiences here at Roecliffe very memorable, and we love enriching our curriculum so to be able to do a history topic based around our school and bring the community together to celebrate that with us has been absolutely a great opportunity for us.
“The children have enjoyed it so much, it’s going to be fantastic.”
Listen to our full chat with Mrs Briggs here:
Harrogate MP joins volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels
'Cruel and controlling': Harrogate man jailed after years of abuse
Harrogate Brewing Co win awards for region's best beer
Ripon pub owners named national winners of community award
Knaresborough pubs to host premiere of festive film shot in the town
Air ambulance rescue teenager after horror quad bike crash near Pateley Bridge
Country estate set to be powered by solar energy
Harrogate law firm retains top-tier recognition in UK legal guides
Your Harrogate to launch Lewis Capaldi ticket giveaway during Stray Bonfire
Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title
Calls for Yorkshire Water Chief to resign following "immoral and unjustifiable" offshore payments
Long-established Harrogate tech shop set to move to bigger premises
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
First look at Harewood House's Bridgerton-inspired Christmas
Harrogate's most festive pub to return this month
Ripon hotel scoops two national awards following public vote
Remembrance Sunday: Events, parades and road closures
Harrogate care residents race wheelchairs in support of Meals on Wheels
Harrogate stay and play café announces 'heartbreaking' closure
Newly refurbished pub near Knaresborough named among best in UK
:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-697654-1589846492-4529.jpeg.jpg)
