Holy Rosary Academy Celebrates 60 Years with Tea Party and Mass
The Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton is set to mark a significant milestone as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. The primary school will host a special tea party for parents, staff, and pupils on July 2, followed by a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Nottingham. This historic occasion will bring together current and former pupils, staff, local clergy, and community members to honor the school's rich legacy.
A Lifelong Connection to the School
Among those attending the celebrations is Annette Batchelor, a teaching assistant who has been with the school for 31 years and was once a pupil herself. She reflects on her happy memories from her time as a student, including the fishpond where she ate sandwiches with friends and the simple equipment like chalkboards and wax crayons. "All the toys we had were wooden or metal," she recalls, noting that wooden building blocks from her era were still in use until the year 2000.
Mrs. Batchelor also fondly remembers school dinners featuring meat and vegetables, chocolate pudding with mint-flavored green custard, and cornflake cake. After attending Blessed Robert Sutton and having her wedding reception there, she returned to Holy Rosary in 1996 after a career at BT. "I loved it because it was a place that I could really be myself," she says, emphasizing that the school's family-like atmosphere and community feel have remained unchanged over the years.
Honoring the School's History
The anniversary celebrations will also see the attendance of Chris Varney, widow of Frank Varney, the first headteacher at Holy Rosary. Appointed in March 1966, just seven months after the school opened in September 1965, Mr. Varney served as headteacher for 18 years. At 37, he was the youngest headteacher appointed in Burton at the time, and his dedication to the role is remembered fondly by his widow.
Current headteacher Marie Dyche expresses excitement for the milestone, stating, "Holy Rosary holds a special place in the heart of many in our community. As the school commemorates this 60th anniversary, we celebrate and thank the staff, families, and pupils who have been a part of its journey both past and present." She looks forward to the next chapter for the school and its community.
Community Support for Anniversary Projects
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the school plans to revamp some outdoor areas and is seeking donations to support this effort. Items needed include oil-based paint for benches, fence paint, gravel stone, seeds, plants, herbs, planters, and large stones. Community members interested in contributing can contact the school at 01283 562686 or via email at office@hrb.srscmat.co.uk.
Located in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, Holy Rosary Academy continues to foster a strong sense of community and education, making this 60th anniversary a momentous occasion for all involved.
