Thursday 5th May saw the 140th Anniversary of Dalbeattie Primary School. To mark the occasion, the children re-enacted a parade  similar to one captured in 1901 ( in black and white footage,  available on the BFI website.) The children paraded down from in front of  the school’s iconic bell tower. This was kindly filmed by Sam Kelly from Kirkcudbright. It has been uploaded to YouTube and has already had nearly 2000 viewings. In the film, the children can also be seen wearing commemorative badges, which they were gifted to mark this important occasion in the school’s history. The film is available through link on the school’s blog and on its facebook page.

On this day, the children also enjoyed some very special cupcakes, thanks to our very kind kitchen staff.

Then on Saturday, 7th May, the school continued its celebrations by opening its doors for a ‘Victorian Afternoon Tea.’ This was made possible by wonderful baking from Mrs Houston and Dalbeattie High School’s Hospitality department (see previous post of the preparations involving our own P7 pupils) together with our own Parent Council who prepared the sandwiches, teas and coffee. We are also very grateful to Peter Wilson Walker of Caterbirds for the use of crockery. Also on the day, there was a range of other activities. The School’s History Book publication was also celebrated and free copies were available to pick up. This book is available at no cost thanks to generous funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the William Heughan Associated Special Trust.(Don’t worry if anyone does not yet have a copy- they are still available at Dalbeattie Museum; the Museum will also be posting them to anyone who requests one, provided P&P costs are covered. Information on P&P rates will be given on Dalbeattie Museum’s website in the near future.) Also at our Afternoon Tea, Mrs Pettigrew brought along her popular collection of photographs and these were much appreciated along with other school albums, previously unseen at our other recent two events. Another big highlight, however, was the ‘Victorian Photo Booth Experience!’ Member of school staff, Jill Blackwood and her wardrobe assistant Mrs McConnell, took group photos of families wearing Victorian costumes.

These photos are being published in sepia effect and e-mailed to the people who took part.We are extremely grateful to Birchvale Theatre, Fullarton Theatre and Dumfries Museum who kindly loaned the school costumes and props for this event. Other special mention must be made to all our staff helpers, who helped to decorate the hall and prepare and serve food on the day. We have very talented staff at Dalbeattie Primary. Look how our office staff changed into a new role to welcome people to our Victorian Afternoon tea!

The day was a huge success with over 230 people taking afternoon tea and enjoying reminiscing as they wandered round our old granite buildings. Special thanks also need to go to Dalbeattie Museum and Dalbeattie Community Initiative’s VIP for selling tickets,  our own school kitchen, our parent and pupil helpers, the members of the History of School Research project, the people who donated items and all the folks who came along on the day! Mrs Duncan and Mrs Howie say a very big Thank you to all involved!