Centenary

(Article reproduced by kind permission of the Coventry Telegraph as published on the 22nd of July 2010)

CHILDREN cheered as bright blue balloons were released into the sky to celebrate their school’s centenary.

Crowds of pupils from Broad Heath School, in Hanford Close, Foleshill, enjoyed a feast of activities to mark the 100th anniversary.

They had written messages which were attached to the balloons to spread the word of their special day.

Children had fun on the bouncy castle and inflatable obstacle course on the school grounds while traditional Indian curries, rice and desserts were served up for parents and staff, both past and present.

Among them was Trevor Sharman, a former headteacher at the school.

He said: “My time at the school was when it was on Broad Street as a primary community school. There have been many memories.

“We had everything from youth activities to classes for pensioners and computer classes for adults.

“We had a great rugby club at the school which is now the Broadstreet Rugby Club and there are many other fond memories I have of my time working here.”

Former pupils and brothers Haroon Khan, Nisar, and Abrar, of Foleshill, joined in with the celebrations with their children who now attend the school.

Abrar, aged 29, was at the celebration with his daughter Maria Begum, aged eight, a pupil at the school.

He said: “The celebrations have been very good.

“We were all at the school when it was on Broad Street and it’s changed in a lot of different ways since I’ve been here but there has always been a close community here and that will never change.”

Head teacher Jane Frankish said: “It’s been wonderful to mark the end of 100 years and we hope the school can celebrate the next 100 years to come.”