WELLESLEY Park Primary School in Wellington has celebrated its official opening of 40 years ago on September 1.

Keen photographer John Harmsworth took pictures of the school in its early days

and says: “The school was built on an

open field in Homefield on the Hoyles Farm Estate.

“One of my photographs shows my daughter Angela Harmsworth, who started at the school when it first opened on September 1, 1976.

“The other photographs taken in 1975/76 show the construction of the school from the early stages to its completion. “The school accommodation included seven classrooms, three practical areas, an assembly hall, administrative wing, a library and a kitchen.

“Its grounds featured a wooded area, playing field and a popular playmound. There were two playcourts, one for infants and a larger one for juniors.

“The first headmaster was Mike Knight and, as far as I can remember, some of the staff included Mr Durston, Mrs Hubbard, Miss Harris, Mrs Wallace and Mr Jenkins.

“Some former pupils still live in the area.”