Brookfields School celebrates its 50th anniversary in Tilehurst
A Tilehurst school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand fete.
On Saturday, September 14, pupils, parents and friends of Brookfields School marked the milestone with a full afternoon of celebration, supported by pleasant weather.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try opened the event. He spoke with stallholders and attendees and took a tour of the school.
Visitors were entertained by the Goring and Streatley Concert Band, Michael the Bubbleman, an animal petting zoo, The Parkinsons Drummers and a display of kites.
Headteacher Catherine Bernie said: “We were absolutely thrilled that so many people came to our celebration party.
“It was a joy to meet so many former pupils, families and members of staff as well as our current pupils and the local community.
“We hope to host many more events over the course of this year to celebrate our community past and present.”
The school was also thrilled to receive a surprise visit from Rudolph Walker (Patrick in Eastenders) who had previously contributed to a birthday video for the school.
Mr Walker, from Caversham Heights, posed for numerous photos and drew the winning tickets for Pangbourne Rotary Club’s raffle, which boasted a selection of wines and toys for prizes.
The club’s lucky dip earned £205 to support the work of the school.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Those of us in the Rotary Club wish the school a very happy birthday and look forward to many more birthday celebrations in the future.”
The local police team also arrived with a patrol car towards the end of the event, which turned into a popular attraction.
And a model of the school, made by pupils, was also a focal point for the event.
Food and drink were provided by the cake stall, pizza van, BBQ, ice cream van and the Butterfly Community Café, a non-profit company which provides training for young people with learning disabilities.
Brookfields Market Garden also attended with a stall, an initiative within the school allowing pupils to grow and sell plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables.
