Saying goodbye to old Cornwallis
MORE than 600 people at- tended the Cornwallis Reunion at the new academy in Hub- bards Lane, Linton. Guests travelled from all over
Kent and further afield for the occasion. It is 52 years since Cornwallis School held its offi- cial opening ceremony – and in September students and staff will move into its state-of-the- art replacement premises. Mike Wood, school head for
20 years from September 1985, who travelled from Surrey, said: “It was an enormous pleasure. I was delighted so many former
Head teacher Mike Wood (1985- 2005) deliver- ing his speech.
colleagues and students braved awful weather to attend. “While there was sadness
widely expressed at the loss of familiar buildings all agreed that we were proud to be asso- ciated with the school. “We celebrated its past
successes and heartily wished all current staff and students a most enjoyable transfer to the new buildings in Septem- ber.” Heavy rain forced organisers
to serve food and drinks in the dining hall rather than out- doors. The plaza was adorned with purple balloons and displays of memorabilia. Items included old photographs, prospectuses, school uniform, a commenda- tion book, newspaper clippings and scrapbooks. Mr Wood said he was de-
lighted the current head teacher, David Simons, has commit- ted the academy to continue supporting the Fundanami Trust in KwaZulu-Natal, South
Former students who attended the school when it first opened in 1958.
Africa. “The trust helps to establish
libraries, computer rooms and reading schemes in schools which are devoid of the splen- did facilities available at the academy,” added Mr Wood, who established the Cornwallis link.
Following speeches, guests enjoyed a live performance from Maidstone band Kaleido-
phone (the bassist is a former Cornwallis student while the drummer is an ex-member of staff). During the evening £70.60
was collected for Crossroads Care West Kent, a local charity that provides free, home-based respite to carers and runs a Young Carers’ Project, which supports youngsters up to the age of 17.
Visitors browsing thememorabilia displays.
Teenage student sweethearts Peter Packham and Lauren Packham (nee Taylor), who at- tended Cornwallis in the ’90s.
Village fete is brought back to life
VILLAGERSat Hunton turned out in force for the first fete to be held there in three years. The event, which was at the King George
V playing field, was resurrected by popular demand. The hard work paid off and the fete proved to be a massive success, raising more than £2,000. Hunton has been preparing a village plan
and the number one request from residents was for the fete, last held in 2008, to be re- stored. Fete chairman Annette Trought said: “We were very anxious to resurrect it because it
was what everyone wanted. “The money raised will go towards an-
other fete and other community-based proj- ects.”
Entertainment was provided by the Huntones singing group and the Galloping Cuckoos. Other attractions included a fun dog
show, display by the Flair Dance School, and many stalls and sideshows including books, cakes, plants, jewellery, a coconut shy, china smashing, a 70ft-long inflatable assault course, a barbecue, strawberries and cream, teas and an art display.
Herbert Marsh who taught at the school when it opened in 1958 with former students, Andrew Jennings and sister Caroline.
Youngsters meet the Galloping Cuckoos, who entertained all afternoon.
The Huntones singing group performed music from the shows and folk songs.
Steve McLoughlin, Ron Porter and Les Leonard get cooking. Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk South 25
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