Teachers and pupils from years gone by returned to their old school to bid farewell to its retiring head.
Former faces from Dr Triplett’s Primary School, in Hemmen Lane, Hayes, returned to the old corridors to share their memories and look at the old pictures and artefacts collected over the decades.
Around 160 people attended, including 90-year-old May Stone, a schoolgirl there in 1932.
Another, Lindsay Mitchell, joined in 1939, when the Second World War broke out, and she returned to teach there between 1959 and 1964.
Anne Johns enrolled in the 1940s, and then sent her son, Steve Brown, there at the start of the 1970s.
It was a bittersweet occasion for headteacher Brian Paul, as it will be his last reunion as the school’s leader. He retires in December.
Mr Paul has been at the school for 30 years over two spells.
He joined as a year four teacher in 1977 and left after seven years. He returned as a headteacher in 1990.
Hundreds attended a fireworks display in his honour on Friday evening last week and the next day was the reunion.
Mr Paul, who lives in Hayes End, said: “There were people of all ages, and it was really lovely to speak to so many of them.
“I take with me so many special memories. It is very much a family school, with generations of the same family coming here. I will miss all the wonderful staff and children. I have found it a difficult decision to make, but I am also looking forward to my retirement.
“I plan to go abroad, and spend a bit of time in South Africa, and I will be moving out of the area eventually.”
The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011 with a trip to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and a special service commemorating the anniversary was held at the historic church for more than 350 pupils, and other guests including Hayes and Harlington MP, John McDonnell.
