BISHOP Henderson Primary School in Taunton is gearing up for its 50th birthday and the local community is warmly invited to take part in the celebrations by sharing their memories.

The Church of England school opened in 1974 in Galmington and is named after Bishop Edward Henderson, who was Bishop of Bath and Wells at the time.

Pupils, staff and the school community are getting ready for a series of celebrations this month and would like anyone with memories of the school to get in touch to help with a display that will be open to the public on Thursday, October 17, from 5-8pm.

Head teacher Rachel White said: “Our wonderful school is marking its 50th birthday and we are looking forward celebrating together and sharing what is special about our school. There are lots of ways to get involved.

“We would love families past and present with a connection to the school to be involved. We’re looking for photographs, books, reports and any other memorabilia that people would be willing to share for our display.

“We’d also like to gather memories along the lines of ‘do you remember when …’.

“They could be of special lessons or moments with teachers and friends or even unique moments like when Mrs Newberry set the fire alarms off making toast at lunchtime and the whole school was evacuated.”

How to get involved

• Share photos or memorabilia – these can be dropped in at the school office.

All items need to be labelled with some information about the item along with your name and contact details so it can be returned afterwards. You can also email photos to office@bishophendersontaunton.co.uk

• Share a ‘do you remember when…’ memory – click on https://forms.office.com/e/fejYe8vDBF or write it down and drop it into the school office.

• Share your ‘favourite thing about Bishop Henderson’ – the school is creating a trail around the school of ‘50 things that we love about Bishop Henderson.’

Add your favourite thing via this link https://forms.office.com/e/myzbLV9FYG or write it down and drop it into the school office.

• Visit the free exhibition of photos and memorabilia – come to the school, in Henderson Close, on Thursday, October 17 from 5pm-8pm

• Donations for the school library. As part of the celebrations, the school is asking for donations to restock the school library.

Cash or cheques can be left in the school office.

If you choose to you may leave your name with any donation so the school can insert your name into the new books.

Last year, the school got an early birthday present from Ofsted who classed it a Good school where teachers are ambitious for pupils while supporting them to flourish and grow.

The report praised the school’s strong sense of community and the kindness and care of the staff.

It found pupils polite and well mannered, highlighting a positive and respectful culture and clear expectations for behaviour.

In the Ofsted parent survey, every single one of the 105 respondents said they would recommend the school to another parent, while 98 per cent said their child does well at the school.