Headteacher Denis Lyons records his thoughts on the opening of Lee Bank Primary School

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Date:14th of March 1967 - 4th of April 1967 (c.)

Description:Mar 14th. (opening ceremony to) be performed by HRH Princess Alexandra.
Mar 14th. Meeting at school of high education, police and other officials rergarding arrangements for the ceremony.
Mar 15. School visted by official visitor - Mr Gerard Coghlan. He commented on the great progress made since his last visit a few weeks ago. Also very favourably on the meticulous tidiness of the whole site.
23 March. School broke up for Easter holidays.
Tues 4 April 1967. THE OPENING CEREMONY OF LEE BANK JI SCHOOL BY HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.
This was of course a most important day in the life of the school. It became obvious that the Education Committee were treating the visit as a civic occasion and the event was organised both inside and outside the school in great detail. This was a most difficult task for the staff and myself. The requirements were (right in the middle of the school holidays)to reassemble all the pupils and all the ancillary staff. There was to be 80 older children assembled in the hall. This disbanded the three eldest of the five junior classes. Their rooms were to be transformed into working infants' classes inlcuding all furniture and fittings. The remainder were to form groups doing various activities on the top floor. This with the teachers scattered all over the country! My mind boggled when I first heard what was wanted.
The committee sent out 100 invitations to various civic dignitaries and officials. Hoping for the best I also sent out 100 ditto to various guests - Heads of local schools and relatives of children. On the day, with the hall looking beautiful; carpets, banks of flowers, curtains etc. We got all guests plus 80 children in their places. A lady pianist played light music "My Fair Lady". Other banks of flowers were on all landings.

Related themes:

Woodview Junior and Infants Woodview Lee Bank Junior and Infants Lee Bank 1946 - 1975 (Mid 20th Century)

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Image courtesy of: Woodview Primary School

Donor ref:(67/8277)

Source: Mr Ron Butler , Mrs Gwen Hatton , Ms Angela Dyer , Mrs May Williams , Mr Arthur Sadler , Mrs Janet Abbotts , Ms Rose Pearson , Mrs Dolly Ray , Mrs Pamela Edwards , Mrs Betty Queen , Mr Ken Smith , Ms Julia Wagstaffe , Woodview Primary School , Ms Carol Woolley , St Thomas's School , E.R. Mason Youth Centre , Mr Bernard Allen , Mrs Gladys Russell , Mrs Pat Jones , Ms Angela Maloney , St Thomas Old Scholars , Mr Ken Bonham

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