Ward funding helps local school celebrate its 250th anniversary
Councillor Keith Aspden and the Fulford and Heslington ward committee have supported Fulford’s St Oswald's Primary School’s 250th birthday by granting £1,500 from its ward budget for an anniversary project, which displays the original school foundation stones.
This donation, alongside generous help from local businesses and residents, has seen the original foundation stones of the school from 1771 and 1846 displayed in a new heritage seating space which features a newly carved and engraved date stone to reference the 250th anniversary. The area also features bench seating, which incorporates tiles that are designed and created by the pupils, a time capsule and a replanted garden.
Earlier this month, the project was unveiled by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, during a day of celebrations that saw pupils, staff, parents and the wider community come together for the first time in over a year and a half.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Fulford and Heslington ward councillor, commented:
“We’re really proud to be supporting St Oswald's Primary School in what is a major and very special occasion for the whole local community. After all the challenges of the last year, I’m glad to see the school make this a real celebration for all.
“I know this special project, with the help of our £1,500 ward grant, will bring the staff, pupils, parents and the wider community together to recognise the heritage and vibrant history of St Oswald's Primary.”
Sue Bland, Headteacher of St Oswald’s Primary School, said:
“The school’s place at the heart of the Fulford community has remained steadfast throughout the decades and past pupils young and old talk of the school with great pride.
"The children are central to everything we do and they have really enjoyed working on this project. We are hugely grateful to the many people who have donated time, materials or funds to support the celebratory projects - they have helped breathe life into our ideas and it is wonderful to see them brought to fruition.”
A history project, led by the pupils, about the school and their work has been incorporated into a book of history and memories. The book, which has been written by a group of parents with support from Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington Local History Society, will be presented to the school as well as the local library and can be found online in a digital format.