Mordiford Primary School celebrating 150th birthday

Mordiford CofE Primary School was first based in Holyrood Church before moving to its current location, where accommodation was also provided for the headmaster's family. 
Staff have been delving into the archives to discover records from bygone days. 

"The archives give a fascinating account of school life over the past 150 years, the beautifully hand-scribed admission register from 1908 lists family names which still reappear in our electronic web-based registers, showing the strong connections that many of our local families have with Mordiford CofE Primary School," said headteacher Sue Warmington. 

Deputy headteacher, Ed Sibcy and children from Mordiford Primary School look at the school's punishment book from 80 years ago (Image: Rob Davies)

"The log book for June 4 1894 states, 'very heavy tempest this morning and drenching rain. Only 34 present out of upwards of 150 on the books. Many of these were so very wetand several suffering from bad colds, it was felt unsafe to keep them at school, so they were sent home'.

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"In addition to 'troublesome behaviour' the punishment book from 1904 records 'writing on the school walls' resulted in caning on the hand and in 1910 'being the in the rector's orchard' also gave rise to a caning.

"More recent archives focus on celebrating student successes rather than punishment, with the punishment book being replaced by the 'Star of the Week' book."

The school is inviting past students to join them tomorrow (July 14) from 3pm to 5pm on the school field for a summer fete, which will include country dancing as well as the normal excitement such an event entails. 

There will be a display of books and photographs from the archives for visitors  to look at with tea and cake provided.