FORMER pupils, staff and families stepped back in time as St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Droylsden celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special open day.
The milestone event welcomed generations of the school community through its doors, giving visitors the chance to reconnect with old friends, share memories and explore a fascinating collection of photographs, logbooks and other items from the school’s rich history.
Guests reminisced about their time at the school, on Church Street, and reflected on how it has changed over the past century-and-a-half.
Among those attending was former pupil Margaret Moorcroft, who attended St Mary’s during the 1940s.
Looking back on her school days, she fondly remembered afternoon naps and the kindness of her teachers.
She said: “I suppose, really, we used to go to bed in the afternoon. We used to get the beds out, and if you were good, you got a sweetie. So, I remember that very well.
“And I can remember when my sister, who is three years younger than me, came, and I remember crying when she was coming. Miss was saying, ‘Give her a coin, Margaret. She’ll be fine.’
“Oh yeah, happy times. It’s amazing when I think about it how long ago it was.”
The anniversary celebrations highlighted the school’s proud heritage and the lasting impact it has had on generations of pupils in the Droylsden community.