It was the year 1707, Queen Anne was on the throne,
England
and
Scotland
joined to become
Great Britain
and
Shinfield
School
opened its doors for the first time to 20 poor children of the Parish.
The school was built by Richard Piggott and is believed to be the oldest surviving state school in
Berkshire
that is still functioning in the original building. In the 1960's the school became overcrowded and a new school for junior pupils opened in 1969. Shinfield Infant and Nursery School and Shinfield St Mary's CE (VA)
Junior
School
are now preparing to celebrate their 300 year anniversary in 2007.
Pupils will be involved in various events throughout the academic year and will receive a lasting memento of this significant milestone.
A very special event is planned for
Saturday May 19th 2007
. A traditional English Fayre and Pageant will be held on the village green followed by an evening reception in the infant school for invited guests, ex pupils and staff.
Tours
of the school will take place throughout the day and a selection of photographs, other interesting articles and written accounts of school life will be on display. A history of the school up to 1971 is already available and a
Reading
University
student is currently compiling the history of the school to the present day. The infant school history room is now open to the general public by appointment.
Mrs
Ann Nolan
, Chairman of the 2007 celebrations committee said " This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 300 years of excellent education in the village and we hope the events will reflect the traditions and history of this community. The two schools will be working closely with local groups, the diocese, the Parish Council and the District Council to ensure that 2007 will be a year to remember".
The 2007 celebrations committee need your help. Are you an ex pupil, ex member of staff or one of their descendants? If so, please contact
Ann Nolan
with your personal recollections and memories. Any photographs you send in will be copied or scanned and will be returned to you if you wish. Please name as many people as you can on any photographs that you provide.
Celebrations bulletins will be available throughout the year. The infant school website was launched on 30th June and the junior school website will be available from September 2006. Watch this space!!
If you can help or need further information, please contact:
Mrs
Ann Nolan
Tel: 0118 9793044
E mail: ann-nolan@hotmail.co.uk
