HELENA Romanes School celebrated 50 years on Saturday by inviting ex-pupils to a big birthday bash. Staff at the school welcomed ex-teachers, -pupils and -staff to an all-day party at the school on Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow, giving them the opportunit

HELENA Romanes School celebrated 50 years on Saturday by inviting ex-pupils to a big birthday bash.

Staff at the school welcomed ex-teachers, -pupils and -staff to an all-day party at the school on Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow, giving them the opportunity to see how the school has progressed and to share memories of years gone by.

Current headteacher Simon Knight said: "It was a marvellous day, and it was great to see so many people sharing stories and fond memories."

The school opened its doors at noon, and a succession of events followed, including live music from band 'Upside Down', a falconry display, presentations, speeches, cake-cutting and an ex-staff vs. current staff tug o' war.

Guests enjoyed barbeques, bouncy castles, face painting, hog roasts, tarot reading, school tours and a fun casino throughout the day.

The party was arranged earlier this year to commemorate the school being built on its current site exactly 50 years ago. It became a fully comprehensive in 1970, and in 2004 created its own school crest, resembling the town crest, with permission of Dunmow Town Council.

It now has more than1600 pupils and several buildings have been added to the original design, including a new design and technology area and a new library called the 'learning zone'.

Mr Knight said: "The school was buzzing with all the fun and excitement; I hope everyone went away happy after meeting friends, old and new."

Did you go along and meet up with old friends? We would love to hear your stories - e-mail us at nick.thompson@archant.co.uk.