Book celebrates 125th anniversary of a Colchester school
A book exploring the history of North Primary School has been launched
A Colchester school's 125th anniversary has been celebrated with the launch of a book.
CXXV: North Primary School's 125th Anniversary was written by Laura Davison and Claire Driver to explore the site's history.
It included two years of research and community engagement, heavily involving the pupils themselves, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The book details how the project was brought together, the people met along the journey, the final celebration events, and artworks by Lisa Temple-Cox and Nicola Burrell.
Throughout the book are photographs and memories donated to the school's archive, as well as articles providing a different insight into the school's history.
Author and Project Manager, Laura Davison, said:
"The response and support from within school and the wider community, has been incredible.
"The CXXV book is a lasting legacy of North Primary School’s 125th anniversary project and is dedicated to the many people who took part on the journey with us."
Claire Driver, Author and Historian, said:
"CXXV has been a very special project. We’ve reached people whose connection with the school stretches back over 100 years enabling us to tell the story from the very beginning.
"Researching, sharing and celebrating this history with today’s pupils and more widely with the people of Colchester has been a real pleasure."
Headteacher Alan Garnett said:
"When I became the Head, in 2001 I had no inkling of the importance the heritage of the school would become to me in my role. Preserving the architecture, celebrating its history - so brilliantly captured in this book - has been a source of immense pride. Being the Headteacher of North Primary School and Nursery has been the best job I have ever had.
"This community school has been enriched by the passion and talents of so many local people, many giving freely of their time to make a difference to the children and families who we serve. This book captures that dedication. And, of course, this actual book would not be possible without that passion and commitment.
"CXXV Project Manager, Laura Davison and Historian, Claire Driver, have compiled and archived all these memories. You will soon discover what an incredible achievement this book is."