On its 60^th anniversary, teachers, students and governors at Banovallum School in Horncastle celebrated with a tree planting ceremony and a 1960s themed lunch. 

Monday 20^th November marked exactly 60 years to the day that Banovallum School was officially opened by James Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 3rd Earl of Ancaster. 

Current Headteacher Grant Edgar was joined by Chair of Governors Wendy Ireland to commemorate the event by planting an Acer and burying a time capsule full of information and mementoes of present day Banovallum. 

They were assisted by Isobel Gosling, a descendant of Alderman Tom Scholey who was the driving force behind the founding of Banovallum. Also joining Wendy and Grant were fellow governors of the school, trustees of the Horncastle Education Trust and former headteachers of Banovallum, Ian Carroll and Nicki Shore.  

Sandra James, CEO of the trust, said: “What a lovely way to commemorate the founding of Banovallum. I hope that the pupils of the future find the contents of the time capsule interesting. It would be wonderful to compare schooldays of 2023 with those of 2063.” 

Headteacher Grant Edgar said: “I’m delighted that we were able to be joined by so many supporters of the school and in particular Isobel and her mum, Alison. To have that link with sixty years ago was really quite special.  

“Fingers crossed I can make the centenary when I’ll be a sprightly ninety-five. I would like to thank Jason Hillier at the Horncastle Garden Centre for supplying the beautiful Acer that we planted and Wrates for supplying the school photographs.” 

The canteen joined in the celebrations by preparing meals from the 1960s, dressed as their counterparts in 1953 would have done. Semolina didn’t go down too well but the music of the Beatles and other sixties stars’ music which soundtracked lunchtime was a crowd-pleaser! 

Did you attend Banovallum School?  Join the alumni here to find out about the public anniversary celebrations scheduled for the spring next year.