Bolton: Harwood Meadows return to the 70s to celebrate 50 years

Harwood Meadows Primary opened its doors in January 1973.

To celebrate the landmark, staff and pupils came dressed in the fashion of the day and learning about what life was like in the 1970s.

They found out more about music, fashion and what was happening in the world at the time.

Previous members of staff were invited back to the school to join in the celebrations.

READ MORE: Taking a step back in time for this recognisable Bolton scene from the 1970s

Headteacher at the school, Julian Bevan, said: “I’m really proud of the children and staff.

Harwood Meadows pupil make the shape of '50' to celebrate their anniversary (Image: Harwood Meadows)

"It’s been fantastic to be a part of the celebrations for the 50th year.

“It was particularly great to be able to celebrate with everyone – past teachers came back, and it was lovely to be able to celebrate all together. There was lots of reminiscing.

“On the day the children looked absolutely fabulous. It was a great day.

READ MORE: Bolton pupils met with rainbow to raise spirits on school return

“They learnt about what it was like in the 70s and contrasted it to what it’s like now. The fashion, the music, what was on TV, and what it was like in school now and then.”

Children also found out about a fire that burnt the school to the ground soon after it opened.

The fire was so big that it took 40 firefighters to put it out, according to Mr Bevan. 

The school was rebuilt and opened again in 1978, which many of the pupils did not know.

Julian and pupils celebrating a 'good' Ofsted inspection in April last year

“The children fed back that they had a really exciting day. They loved dressing up and learning about what it was like in the 70s.

Before Christmas, all the children and staff formed the shape of a 50 on the school field for a photo to mark the anniversary and to reflect our place within their community.

READ MORE: Harwood Meadows Primary school is Ofsted rated good

Celebrations will continue throughout the year, including a summer BBQ to which parents and carers are invited.

A special tree will be planted to commemorate the occasion, and the children will the opportunity to purchase an anniversary teddy bear.

In April last year Harwood Meadows celebrated a 'good' Ofsted rating and was picked out as a setting where children feel happy and safe.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.