30 years in the life of Holy Trinity Primary School
June 6th, 2024
WOW where did those last ten years go!
Bradley Stoke Matters was delighted to be invited back at the end of May to attend the 30th anniversary celebrations at Holy Trinity Primary School.
Holy Trinity was the first primary school built in Bradley Stoke. It was the vision of the local vicar of that time, Reverend Colin Blake, and his wife Katy. The couple campaigned long and hard until eventually Avon County Council agreed to build the very first school in the still relatively new development of Bradley Stoke. The vision was to create a unique and distinctive Christian school with close links to the church.
The doors opened to the first 107 pupils on the 13th September 1993, there was a definite buzz in the air as the children entered and saw their new school for the first time. The official opening ceremony took place eight months later on Friday 27th May 1994 with a celebratory service in the Worship area in the presence of the Right Reverend Barry Rogerson, the Bishop of Bristol, and Reverend Ian White, Chairman of the Bristol Methodist District.
A ‘clypping’ of the whole building took place, this is an old Derbyshire custom whereby the people surround their Parish Church to give thanks and praise to God for all that he has done within that building. Blue and yellow (still the school colours today) ribbons were placed around the building, Sean Roff (eldest pupil) and Helen Yard (youngest pupil) cut the ribbon to symbolise the official opening.
30 years later the sun was shining for the whole school picnic on the lovely playing field. This was followed by the traditional ‘clypping’ (main photo) whereby the whole school, children and teachers, held hands in an inward facing circle to surround the entire school building symbolising a ‘hug’ that embraces the school and everyone in it.
Once the clypping was complete, everybody moved into the Church Worship area for a celebratory assembly that every year group contributed too. The theme was 1994 and for the children it was a modern history lesson but for some of us a trip down memory lane as the children talked of Nelson Mandela becoming the first black President of South Africa; of the release of the iconic Lion King film; the opening of the Channel tunnel by Queen Elizabeth and President Mitterand of France; the first shops being allowed to open on a Sunday and Whigfield’s Saturday Night being a big hit (and the children still enjoy it at the school disco today!); they looked at the price comparison of grocery items and even the cost of a 3-bed in Bradley Stoke (£51k v £375k today). For me personally, 1994 was the year I bought my house and moved to Bradley Stoke! 30 years has simply flown by!
Many of the staff have a long history with the school with Mrs Albury and Mrs Ball both being involved for over 25 years! Many of the current staff have been parents in the past including Miss Thomas, Mrs Foxley, Mrs Ball, Mrs Bakewell, Mrs Biggs, Mrs Barby-Moule, Mrs Jones, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Langworthy, Mrs Lijofi.
A big shout out to Mr Roger Smale who has been involved at the school since it opened, when his three daughters came to the school! He has been a parent, a prop-maker, Governor, worship lead, Rock Solid leader and more recently, Caretaker! He has continually supported the school in so many ways.
After some lovely singing, Rev Rich closed the service with wise words and prayers and everyone enjoyed the birthday cake!
An an ex-parent and previous governor myself, it was simply wonderful to be back in this lovely school.
We look forward to the next milestone and hope we can join in the celebrations once again!
