CHILDREN from St Mary’s Infant School in Frensham donned traditional Victorian costumes, lent by the Rural Life Centre, to welcome guests from the Frensham and Dockenfield History Society, to unveil new display boards detailing the long history of the school.

Previous headteacher, Jacqui Travers (now Marler), also attended the unveiling and presented St Mary’s with a painting of the school previously owned by Jean Deeks, a former teacher at the school to further illustrate the school’s past.

“We have wonderful photographs of the school dating back to our Victorian beginnings, and it is a shame if these are hidden away,” said current headteacher Jennifer Downing.

“So with the help of parent Kate Macro we have made these eye-catching acrylic panels giving an overview of the school, which has educated the children of Frensham and Dockenfield for the past 171 years.”

Current St Mary’s children were delighted to learn how former pupils at the school brought in their own potato to cook in the fire for lunch, and holidays had to be linked to harvest times.

They also compared their own modern school uniform with those in the photographs. Mrs Downing added: “The school has seen so many changes since it was founded in 1845 – we are continually improving our facilities with a new kitchen and library opening just this year.

“And we look forward to the changes the next 171 years will bring and teaching the next generations of local children.”