FOUR generations of pupils, past and present, joined staff and well-wishers during an emotional week of celebrations to mark a new chapter in the history of St White’s School in Cinderford.

When pupils return after the half-term break they will move into their new, 21st century school – but last week was a chance for people to say goodbye to a local landmark which has served the local community since 1887.

Visitors were welcomed by members of the school council to a three-day exhibition of memora­bilia and on Thursday staff and pupils dressed up to mark the end of the building’s working life.

Headteacher Teresa Cross said: “Over the past few days we’ve had the privilege of meeting past pupils, parents and staff who came along to see the memorabilia and say their goodbyes.

“They talked emot­ionally of their experiences here at St White’s and recalled many special memories and moments.

“The school is about to embark on a new adventure, another chap­ter in its life as this one draws to a very sad end.”

On Thursday children dressed in costumes reflecting the 129-year history of the building and the last act was the ringing of the school bell by pupil Kobe Wilband.

Among the visitors to the exhibition was Mrs Mary Lewis who is now 87 and was a pupil from 1931.

Mrs Lewis, whose mother and six brothers and sisters were pupils, now has a great-granddaughter, Samantha Trillor at the school.

She recalled getting the cane as a young girl but has many fond memories of the school.

She said: “It is nice to come back and see it – its been here so long it doesn’t seem possible to get rid of it.”

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