Community funding has kick started plans to celebrate Peasedown St John Primary School’s centenary year. Built in 1913, this year marks a hundred years of children being educated at the school – which has become a well known landmark in village life.
The school has many plans to mark the occasion this summer with a full week of activities in June.
One of them is to host a series of drama workshops, in conjunction with local theatre company Magic Penny Productions Ltd, that will culminate in a full-scale production and multi-media display shown at the school and performances at the Prospect Theatre at Writhlington School. Songs from the performance will also be sung at this year’s Party in the Park festival on 22nd June.
Petra Schofield, a freelance theatre director and local resident, who is leading the workshops said: “This will be one of the biggest reasons to celebrate in Peasedown St John. With over 500 children now attending the school, thousands of residents have passed through its doors. The school has been a unifying and stabilising force in the village over the last 100 years.”
Petra applied for funding from the Party in the Park Grant Fund, which was set up by the festival organisers three years ago to support community projects and initiatives.
Craig Gill, a member of the organising team, said: “We have awarded £250 towards transport for children to attend drama workshops. The workshops will ensure that the majority of the school get the opportunity to access historical stories through drama.”
In addition, Magic Penny Productions Ltd are also keen to interview residents about their time at the school and also speak to those who have grown up in the village and witnessed the many changes over the years. The hope is to film these interviews and keep them as part of the wealth of our local history. Petra has sought funding from individuals who are keen supporters of the arts and community projects all of these elements are coming together to create a memorable event for many to enjoy.
The school is planning much over the coming months from a parade through the village, to an open day for ex pupils. Within school there are various competitions to redesign the school logo, the making of celebratory tea towels and also visits to The Radstock Museum.
Cllr Nathan Hartley has awarded £500 from his Ward Councillor Initiative Fund to finance part of the initial development of the interviews to research the elderly pupils still living in the village.
Nathan said: “Everyone who has attended the school over the last 100 years has a story to tell. It’s been a constant positive feature that will, I hope, still be here in another century’s time.
“In June, not only do we have another chance to celebrate as a village at our Party in the Park festival – but we can also look forward to all the activities lined up for the centenary of one of the most important pillars in our community.”
The Party in the Park team and Cllr Nathan Hartley visited one of the drama productions to present £750 to Magic Penny Productions Ltd, the driving force behind the project last week.
For more information about Party in the Park and the Grant Fund visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk. This year’s fund has now closed with the total amount available – £1,500 – being allocated.
Midsummer Party in the Park 2013 will be held on Saturday 22nd June 2013 from 12 noon – 7pm on Beacon Field, Peasedown St John.
