Lewes primary school celebrates 150th birthday with 'Victorian Day'

Southover CE Primary School on Potters Lane opened in 1872 and held a ‘Victorian Day’ last week to mark the occasion, inviting former students and members of the local community.

Headteacher Noel Fadden said: “On the day, we had children from reception class who have been at the school for two weeks mingling with former pupils who haven't visited the school since the 1940s.

"One-time heads and teachers also came along to chat to their old pupils. We've been learning about what school was like for Victorian children and the children were shocked to discover the strict discipline regimes of Victorian classrooms.”

The school asked those that attended to wear costumes from the era, with pupils learning about the Victorian times through a host of activities, before sitting down to eat a birthday lunch and slice of cake.

Headteacher Fadden took visitors on guided tours of the school, who where shown a revival of Southover's long tradition of maypole dancing from current pupils.

Visitors could also buy mugs, keyrings and teddy bears displaying a 150 years logo as well as bottles of Southover 1872 gin produced to mark the occasion.

In the school hall, Southover's rocking horse 'Bertie', donated by a family in the 1920s, took pride of place alongside a display of old photographs, school registers and school prospectuses.

Councillor Shirley-Anne Sains, mayor of Lewes, buried a time capsule containing messages and drawings made by children in every school year.

Sasha Pyatt, chair of The Friends of Southover and party organiser, said: “We wanted our celebration to feel really inclusive.

"Some families here remember their grandparents and great-grandparents going to Southover.”

Southover School was originally located in St James Street, in the building which now houses Busy Bees nursery, opening its doors to 79 pupils.

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The school moved to its current site, originally The County School for Girls, in the 1990s and now has over 300 students.

A group of parents have been inspired to write a school history book, which they plan to publish next year.

If you have memories of Southover you'd like to share, email the Friends at [email protected]